On Sun, 25 Jun 2006 21:08:22 +1000, Jordan
wrote:

wrote:

Since there is a good spark, some gas, and compression, what the heck
could cause it to not get at least a little pop?
What else can I check?

Had the magneto flywheel off yet?
Could be it's sheared the key and moved around to a different position.
You'd get sparks, but at the wrong time.

I just came in from the garage and you are correct. The key was
sheared and pretty much gone. It seemed to be made of aluminum or
some other soft metal. Not having the right part, I made my own by
hammering a nail square and cutting off the head. The mower started
almost instantly.

Thanks for your help.

I probably should get the proper key, but at least i know it runs now,
and runs quite well too. I did discover an oil leak where the lower
part of the engine (pan) is bolted to the upper part, so i suppose I
should replace that gasket too, or at least get some silicone in
there.

One question is where to find any technical data on this engine. It's
a Tecumseh model VLV126. The Tecumseh website does not even list this
model, and their site is bloated with flash crap, so it takes forever
to load. In the end it's useless.
I am looking for two things. #1. Exploded view of the engine. #2.
Adjustment information so I can adjust the carburetor and govenor (the
speed is slow). If anyone knows of a site that has this, please let
me know.

Just curious. Why would they use such a soft metal for that key? I
guess it's intended to shear if the flywheel jams up, but I cant see
why the flywheel would jam. If anything will jam, it will be the
blade, but not the flywheel.

Mark