This is my second question following the advice from John (many thanx). I followed his advice fully, when I tried to start it a few days ago; switched-on,full throttle, choke on, a few presses on the primer it did turn over but then cut out, so I tried again this time without the choke on, but no luck. I cleaned the oxide off the sparkplug, tried again but this time it would'nt turnover at-all. Last night I replaced the sparkplug with a brand new one, I asked the retailer the recommended spark -gap, and was told it should be correct as sold. To check if the HT lead was working I attached the sparkplug to the coil inside the rubber connecting elbow, gave a gentle tug on the pullcord and could feel the current passinig through. I then gave the pullcord a really hard tug but could'nt see any spark jump the gap. Before any of the above it was always really difficult to start but once it warmed-up, it was then very easy, infact it was working just a few weeks ago. Just to recap; the petrol/oil ratio is correct, theres no contamination in the fuel tank, the original sparkplug was a Champion RDJ7Y the new replacement is a NGK BPMR7A WHICH I was advised would suffice. PLEASE HELP! THANX in advance.

Martin., August 2009

I had the same fault and removed the rubber
shroud around the connector to see if the
connection was good to spark plug end and tried for a spark [ holding plug out
against the casing holding with insulated pliers.
spark ok.replaced and tried to start 1st time
no probs.
I then split the shroud with a stanley knife
and refitted it over exposed conx.
and cable tied it together and guess what it
wouldnt start.
removed the rubber again and it started.
Through the rubber away and wrapped
soundly with self amalgamating rubber tape
and its running great.


[ rubber shroud was causing
a short due to poor insulation factor ]

bright spark, August 2011