my briggs & stratton ( hayter heritage m10/30 ride on mower ) won't run. i've done a few simple checks and found no spark ( the plugs fine). the part that is at the other end of the ht lead ( coil ? ) may be at fault i guess, but i noticed the magnet part that spins round and passes the 2 faces attached to the part i think is the coil has a very small hole in the middle of it , i'm not sure if its meant to or not or if there's any reason for it.. Any idea's ???
the numbers on the engine are-- model 2158 07 ----type 0331 E1----code 0503 ZA

GAZZZZA, August 2008

OK first disconnect the kill wire tha goes to the ignition switch. this is usually connected to an insulater terminal near the throttle mechanism. Check for spark. If OK, switch is faulty. If still nothing, remove the engine cowling, remove the coil, and disconnect the kill wire (I'm assuming that there and no ponts on this engine. If there are wires from the coil disappearing under the flywheel, get back to me). Check (with a resistace meter) for a short from the wire to ground. If there is a short, find and eliminate it (most likely a chafed wire).

If all the above checks out OK, it indicates a coil fault. Replacement is the only option.

Regarding the hole in the magnet - not noticed a hole there in mine, but just check that the magnet will attract a steel screwdriver blade from at least 6MM away. If yes, the magnet is OK. If the magnets HAVE disintegrated (rare, but not unheard of), you will need a new flywheel.

When re-installing the coil, use a standard business card to set the gap between it and the flywheel.

I may be able to assist with the parts if you need them.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, September 2008