2012 no longer starts

[Dik 0]

A dummy with all things mechanical, I recently purchased a grimy, old 2012. It ran great, until I decided to see what lay under the grime; taking after the frame with gritty cleanser and hose. Well, the tractor looks great, but hasn't started since.

Following tips from this bbs, I've discovered:

-gas gets to the engine
-the starter cranks well (battery is new)
-a tiny spark eminates from the spark plug wire when touched to ground, but not when placed near ground, nor through the (new) spark plug
-compression is good
-a scratchy sound comes from the engine pulley area while cranking

If, after reading this, you pros out there can stop laughing long enough to suggest what to do next, I would appreciate it.

Thanks;

Dik

[Al 6]

Hi
Listeniing to the symptoms, I would try running a burnishing tool through the points. If that fixes the spark I would put new points in. If it doesn't help, I would replace the condensor and points. The condeensor may have moisture in it and then it will not be effective. Good luck, Al

[John_RI 8]

Might be worth trying with the old plug. John

[tej 1]

I agree with both above posters,you should change points,cond. and spark plug. Probably while cleaning moisture got into the points box located to the lower left bottom of eng. on the carb. side.Grime and grease dosen't usually affect the operation of an engine unless the dirt blocks off air flow to air cool it,around the head or flywheel screen. dlc

[Guest]

"a tiny spark eminates from the spark plug wire when touched to ground, but not when placed near ground, nor through the (new) spark plug" - to check for good spark you need to hold it 1/4" away from ground - note if using the spark plug to see if any spark exsist the threads also must be grounded.

"a scratchy sound comes from the engine pulley area while cranking" - the housing may be rubbing against the flywheel or screen or you may have pushed some debris down inside where the rotating clearance is tight - see if you can locate it by slowly turning the crank with your hand with the spark plug out.

[Guest]

I can confirm Al's remarks. I did the same thing with a power washer on my 3416. Apparently the condenser can get soaked. New points and condenser took care of mine. Cheers.

[Dik 0]

Thanks for your responses. After trying each suggestion and replacing points/condenser, it still wouldn't go; so I had to send it to the repair $hop. Now it starts and runs well, and am back to enjoying my shiny 2012.