my suffok punch 19 rotary petrol mower will not fire up when the cord is pulled. i have changed the spark plug, air filter, checked the oil and there is petrol. i dont think that the plug is igniting the fuel. how can i check if there is a spark? the mower has not been used for about 2 years, but was working fine before. the engine is a briggs & stratton quantum xm45. any suggestions? i prime the carb with petrol, then pull the cord, the wheel turns but does not start

dino, May 2008

I assume you have drained out the 2-year-old petrol that was in the tank? If not, do so. That should fix it. Also, make sure that the OPC control is operating correctly.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, May 2008

I don't know,BUT to check the spark on ANY engine take the plug out,plug it into the suppressor cap lay the threaded end on the engine or any earthed part of the body and pull the cord,kick start,turn key,whatever and see that you have a spark between the gap,not shooting around all over the plug,you want a nice fat blue spark in the gap,you have to get this right first or it's no go and your wasting your time,do it in the shade out of sunlight and get someone to pull the cord while you watch the plug,if no spark NO GO,don't look for fuel mix or anything else till you have a good spark.

Rich, May 2008