My suffolk colt is about 40 years old but has stood for the last 10 years. I have completely refurbished the machine but it will not start. The trouble is clearly ignition. Examination indicates that the coil is ok and I think that the trouble lies in the magnets which seem to be very weak. The question therefore is :Where can I get the flywheel re-magnetised ?.

R Woodward, August 2007

It's most likely that the points have corroded or worn (happens regularly on mine) Ideally, unscrew them, inspect them and clean/file/replace them. After standing idle, they get a layer of corrosion on them. Fine emery paper usually works a treat. Make sure you gap them correctly when refitting.

Next most likely culprits are the "condensor" if you have one, followed by an issue in the coil winding 9check with DVM)

It it really is your flywheel, your best bet is probably just to pick up another mower at a car boot and cannibalise it.

Borrow an inductive strobe lamp if you want to be sure that the ignition is working.

Dr Mark, August 2007