My 15 year old Hayterette went for a minute and then packed up on me. There was no spark. I have replaced the coil and the plug - but still no spark. Only one part of the flywheel is magnetic - should both of the raised/lined sections be magnetic ? Surely, I'm missing something simple, but any advice or suggestions would be very welcome. Is it possible for the cut out to be jammed in the off position ??

Dave, October 2010

.....errrrrrr Ray it is 15 years old with a COIL- it doesn't have points or a condensor. These were phased out a long time before this machine was even thought of.

Flywheel key is a red herring as you would still have a spark- albeit it will run (if at all) very badly even with a broken key.

If the coil (or module) is new and been fitted correctly along with a new plug, then I would suggest it's an ignition cut-out problem. i assume your engine will not normally start until you depress the lever on the upper handle? If so, the cables have a habit of giving slightly, so even though you depress the lever and the cable moves on the engine eng it might not be enough to break/make the ignition circuit. Get a friend to depress the lever and pull the recoil whilst you don a pair of gloves and physically pull the cable back away from the engine cut out- only gently mind you, a couple of mm travel on the cable is all it may need. If it starts then adjust/replace the OPC cable.

pleasant, October 2010

Hi there, it sounds like you are having the same problem with your Haterette as I had earlier this year. I would recommend you check the points and capacitor. I can’t remember just how much the parts are but they were really cheap. The B&S replacements had pretty good fitting instructions enclosed along with a small tool to enable removal and reconnection of the wires.

You mentioned replacing the coil, the gap should be set to 0.25mm-0.36mm using a non-ferrous feeler gauge, using a ferrous one could weaken the magnets (so I have been told) I used a thin piece of card which worked just fine.

Before going to the spares shop, I’d suggest you check the flywheel key. I had an engine once which had distorted the key and upset the timing.

May I also suggest you check “Youtube” there are a few interesting videos on there showing various repairs/fixes for similar engines.

Good luck, Ray

Ray, October 2010