This is a fairly old, but usually reliable, mower. It hasn't been used for about 3 years and my uncle is trying to refurbish it for me. He has replaced the fuel and the oil. However, he is unable to get a spark at the plug (he has cleaned the plug etc and doesn't feel it needs a new one!) My User Manual does not let him know anything about the actual engine, he wants to know how to reach the contact points. Does anyone have any additional information about the Briggs & Stratton engine Quantum XTS 45 (Type: 12F802-1325-01).

Wendy Byron, March 2011

In over 11 years of dealing with Briggs rotary walk behind mower engines I have NEVER had to replace an ignition module/coil pack. The spark on these small engines is very difficult to see unless you are in a dark environment. Wheel it into a shed/garage and shut the door and black out the windows. Engage the OPC lever (if fitted) and get someone else to earth the plug on the head whilst you pull over the engine. If there is no spark, then start with a new one. Cheapest and easiest process of elimination. If you do have a spark and it's still not starting then loosen the brass nut on the underside of the carb float bowl and allow any fuel to drain out. Make sure this is outside in a well ventialted area. Chances are as it has been stored for three years old fuel in the carb has gone off and is blocking the path of any new fuel you may have added to the tank. Once the fuel flow has stopped, re-tighten the brass nut (gently) and top up the tank with fresh fuel. Pour a thimble full of fuel into the spark plug hole as well before replacing the plug. Then pull it over and see if it fires.

pleasant, March 2011

If you don`t have an OPC Lever then check under the air filter to see if the stop wire is trapped/ shorting out. (It`s attached to the throttle mechanism).

John (again), March 2011

Have you got the OPC (safety lever on the handlebars) held back before checking the spark ? If you have & still got no spark take the top cover off to make sure the mechanism to it is clearing the cut out switch/ cable & not shorting out on anything. If it clears the contact, disconnect it anyway & then try for a spark, if there`s still no spark you may need a new ign. coil. If you fit a new coil, don`t forget to set the air-gap between the coil legs & the flywheel to 10 thou.

John, March 2011

wont be points on a quantum engine but a coil
take the top covers off and you will find it i never clean spark plugs it not worth the bother but expect to replace the coil you will need engine numbers to order a replacment they are stamped on the engine

daz, March 2011

I would buy a new plug anyway, it could be cracked. They are cheap maybe an easy fix

kbarker, March 2011