My suffolk super colt will not start i know that petrol goes to the spark plug but it doesn't ignite i've replaced the spark plug and i've got a replacement ht lead but i cant change it also it is old and i have used unleaded fuel does this affect it?

Tom Holland, August 2008

All colts are cast iron block engines- which means they are points ignition as opposed to electronic and were discontinued in the early 80s- so are at least 23 years old. The fact you have used unleaded fuel will not be a factor in it not starting. Regards.

pleasant, August 2008

Sounds like you have no spark. If the machine is more than about 15 years old it will have contact breakers (points). These wll need cleaning (just about possible via the access hole in the flywheel), or better, replaceing with an electronic module. If it already has an electronic ignition system, they are notoriously weak, and the only option is to replace the coil - at about £55.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, August 2008