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2018/05/02 11:24:58
RoeLivesMatter

Older MTD - Tecumseh 15hp won't start

Hello everyone,
 
Looking for help trying to get my old riding mower to start.  The mower is a MTD model 13A3762F700, it has a 15hp Tecumseh engine model number 0V490EA.
 
I never had issues with it starting but last year the carb was giving fits so I decided to replace that, fuel lines, and fuel filter this year.  I go to start it and it just cranks away never attempts to turn over.  Flywheel spins, spins, spins and nothing.  I made sure fuel is in the new lines and getting to the carb and I replaced the old spark plug.  Still same thing.  I had the battery on the trickle charger so I'm sure it wasn't that.  I also replaced the coil and spark plug wire. Still same result.  I tried taking the spark plug out and turning it over and it had a lot of suction.  Check all the wires, unplugged them, plugged them back in.
 
I'm out of ideas.  Anyone have any suggestions?
 
Thanks in advance.
13 comments Leave a comment
RoeLivesMatter
Also, tried squirting some starting fluid into cylinder and into carb, both did not start the engine.
2018/05/02 11:31:09
Mikel1
So have you verified spark?
2018/05/02 13:38:46
RoeLivesMatter
Could you describe a easy way I could do that? Sorry, I'm no mechanic. 
 
I'm still not sure I have spark.  The new coil I got seems a little different and fits a little differently.  So I'm not sure if it will work.  I just make sure that a business card can fit between the coil and the flywheel.
2018/05/02 14:08:11
Mikel1
Sorry for the delay, had some work to do.
Ignition tester is by far the easiest way to do it.
You can also take spark plug out and ground it, just not at spark plug hole for safety concerns.
2018/05/02 16:32:05
RoeLivesMatter
I took the spark plug out and grounded it and tried to start it and it was sparking like crazy.  I checked my fuel going to the carb and it seems like there is good flow.  This is a new carb should I put the old one back in and try?
 
Thanks
2018/05/03 10:10:23
Mikel1
Sounds good. Now try to start it up like you normally would. Then take spark plug out, bone dry or wet at the plug. If bone dry try adding around a teaspoonful of fuel/ or a shot of carb cleaner into the cylinder. Reinstall spark plug and try to start it up.
2018/05/03 11:00:26
RoeLivesMatter
The plug was bone dry after starting.  So I shot some gas into the cylinder and tried to start and it still didn't attempt to fire.  Flywheel just spinning.
2018/05/03 21:08:57
Mikel1
Ok, so spark and fuel and nada. Then what is left is compression and timing. Any idea what compression is, leak down tester would be better.
2018/05/03 21:56:00
RoeLivesMatter
I read that if you take out the spark plug and put your finger over the hole and try to start the engine you should feel suction.  I did that and I felt a lot of suction.  I've never done a leak down test.  Is that what you would recommend doing next?
 
Thanks
2018/05/07 15:11:02
Mikel1
I personally don't care for the thumb or finger over the spark plug hole trick. It doesn't tell you much. Leak down tester is better but if you don't have an air compressor then it won't do you any good. If you don't have either then I would take off valve cover and check travel of valves while manually turning engine. May as well check valve clearances while your there.
That's the downside of the Internet, no idea the mechanical abilities of the person nor knowing what tools they have or can get access to.
2018/05/08 20:37:29
jrrdw
When the spark plug is dry directly after trying to start it, it's not getting any gas. With a new carburetor the float and inlet needle are probably stuck in the closed position. Lightly tap on the side of the carburetor bowl with hammer handle, it wont take much so tap lightly. 
 
Check all the linkage to be sure it moves as intended, opening and closing the throttle valve. When a carburetor is giving me issues I will take the air cleaner off and cover the inlet port completely with the palm if my hand and turn the engine over and if the palm of my hand gets wet with gas it is at least getting gas fully choked. 
 
Let us know what happens...
2018/05/09 17:35:37
Mikel1
Yeah but it should have fired up temporarily when he put fuel in the cylinder or backfired.
2018/05/11 09:22:53
jrrdw
Yea, something should have happened...Wait for a reply and go from there. 
2018/05/12 06:39:09

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