Wolsely rotovator problem

richardeshelby · « **on:** April 05, 2007, 09:56 »

Bonjour.
I have just found your interesting site, but before i get on to pure gardening topics i have a problem. we moved to Brittany 6 months ago and have been trying to start my wolseley rotovator, it has a briggs Stratton 3 hp engine and model no is AC 3400. The problem is lack of spark, have taken the cowling cover off but inside there nothing obviously wrong.
Is there a member out ther who can offer some advice ? I have a plot 60= 90 and am struggling to dig it by hand. Thanks in advance Dick

Oscar Too · « **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2007, 11:23 »

Next place to look is the sparkplug. Is it clean? Is the gap correct? Is all the ceramic insulation present around it?

richyrich7 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 05, 2007, 13:15 »

Is there a spark when you hold the ht lead against the engine block and pull the starter ? If not your points or similar may have seized. take off the cover on the starter and lightly tap the fly wheel with a hammer turn the fly wheel unil your've gone all the way round. Then try again.
Sorry not very technical but it worked for me, Gwiz or some one will be along soon may have different and more knowledgeable idea.

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #3 on:** April 05, 2007, 13:28 »

I've moved this post to the Equipment section.

(what's a rotovator :roll: )

Pop upstairs to the Welcome section Richard and we can all say hello without getting our hands greasy

noshed · « **Reply #4 on:** April 05, 2007, 22:46 »

Have you got a spare room? I've got some WD40

Gwiz · « **Reply #5 on:** April 06, 2007, 06:52 »

have a look on this thread http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?t=2353
i think it may explain all............
all the best, let us know how you get on.

Gwiz · « **Reply #6 on:** April 06, 2007, 07:00 »

near the bottom of the first page, i told simon how to take of the flywheel.
most of the equipment we see on this site is of a "certain vintage" and has points ignition fitted. i expect that is what is wrong with your machine. your points are either faulty, gap closed up too much or have become pitted and need to be cleaned with a bit of emery cloth.
reset points to about 18-20 thou, refit flywheel and recheck for a spark. its as simple as that, or not, as the case may be.................

richardeshelby · « **Reply #7 on:** April 06, 2007, 17:19 »

Thanks to all replies, yes, have followed thread to equipment section and have same problem, only difference is my model doesnt have contact points, have cleaned flywheel and 2 pick up arms and checked there is a gap between them. still dont have a spark, looks like a problem with the armature pushing spark to plug( or not).
Will clean things up a bit more and try again, once again thanks for all the input.
Dick

Gwiz · « **Reply #8 on:** April 06, 2007, 18:18 »

you may have a short circuit on the cut out wire then.
when you place the throttle lever into the stop position, there is a movement on the engine. if you look closely, you should find a wire attatched to a simple switch. disconect the wire from the swich and see if you have a spark then. it could be a faulty switch, or the wires insulation may have worn away somewhere against the metal of the engine, causing a short, hence no spark.
its very rare for a briggs engine to have a dodgy coil. dodgy H.T caps, yes.
good luck.

Bigbadfrankie · « **Reply #9 on:** April 06, 2007, 22:50 »

never mind the WD40 it only stops squeaks according to the can. if you have accommodation i have a Honda. check the threads and see how many are about a Honda that will not start

Gwiz · « **Reply #10 on:** April 10, 2007, 05:41 »

wonder how this problem went? :?:

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Wolsely rotovator problem

Oscar Too

Gwiz

Gwiz

Gwiz

Gwiz