I have a yard machine lawn mower question. I need to figure out what is wrong with it?

Question

I have a yard machine lawn mower. Here's my problem.!
It won't start. This lawnmower is a self propelled version. It has a lever you hold to the handle that when you release it cuts the mower off. And has another handle you pull to get the mower going forward. The mower won't start. The last time I had this problem I moved the lever rapidly that you have to hold to keep it running, And it started. But it took alot of moving the lever till it finally would start. Now it won't start at all. I checked and it's getting fuel, But no spark. So I don't know if what ever that lever goes to is the culprit and is a cut off switch that is not allowing spark to the plug, Or if my Magneto shot. Can someone tell me how to check what is wrong with it so I can either repair, or replace the right part. I am a mechanic. And can fix almost anything. But I haven't worked on a lawnmower in a long time. Can someone please steer me in the right direction.

Answer 1

The safety cut off switch which is the lever that you are talking about would most likely be the culprit that is cutting off the spark to your engine i would try to remove the cable and pull on the cable with a pair of vice grips and try to start that way to confirm that the cable is working or not then i would trace the problem with the lever from the handle down to the motor.
if this does not lead you in the right direction then it may be the switch itself that is not working and not the cable.

Answer 2

The kill switch is not working properly and it is grounding out your magneto. The kill switch is part of the mechanism that stops the engine when you let go of the safety bale - the handle you hold down to start the thing. the safety bale does two things at the same time when you release the handle - it stops the flywheel and grounds out the ignition system. Best take it to a small engine shop. It is a simple, cheap repair job. But if you don't know how the safety mechanism works, you best leave it to a pro.

Answer 3

You could remove the engine cowling and inspect the "kill switch and engine brake components. Check the wire that runs from the switch to the coil module for bare spots. With the bail handle in the run position check the switch. You could also disconnect the wire and see if you have spark. If you run it like this you will have no way of shutting it off. But it will tell you if it is the switch. My guess is the wire is touching something.