What is the correct spark for a sears 5 HP Tecumseh motor?

Answer 1

Here are a few basic tips for diagnosing a no start condition on a lawn mower or snow blower engine.

Briggs, Tecumseh...etc etc etc all should have a nice blue spark a good snap across the spark plugs electrodes should be seen felt and heard, if its a weak spark the unit will not fire and consequently wont start, don't forget 99% of these type engines that wont start are due to old/dirty fuel and clogged air filters. If this is the case, Dump the gas tank blow out the fuel lines, remove the carb. bowl(note the position of the bowl before removing...mark the inside) with carb cleaner spray the entire carb out spraying the small interior orifices and reinstall bowl with a new gasket and fill tank with new fuel. Prime three four times and give it a couple of hefty pulls and she should start. Let it run for a few minutes to burn off the residual cleaner fluids.

If there is weak or no spark...check the magneto/ flywheel as being the culpret, consult a certified small engine technician if you never did this work before.

WARNING: NEVER turn the mower blade by hand without FIRST removing the SPARK PLUG as you can fire up the engine and cut your fingers off!!!!

If the pull chord wants to pull your arm out of socket (this is called kick back)you definitely have an out of time engine, take off the top cover(pull chord assembly) and check the "Key Way" for wear etc., located under the bolt holding the flywheel on to the shaft. Again consult a tech. if you are not sure.

Always be sure to remove the spark plug before doing any testing and wear protective goggles to prevent injury.