Does Cleaning Flywheel Rust Give You Spark? (DAY 22)

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Click below 👇👇👇 for the links to the other questions... ⭐30 DAYS OF QUESTIONS⭐ - (Links will be updated as the videos are put out) 👉DAY 1 - Is A Stihl 4-Mix Engine A 2-Stroke Or A 4-Stroke? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3fCkGueqJWVpZo 👉DAY 2 - Are John Deere riding lawn mowers made by MTD? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3StpIqpmZuGgtE 👉DAY 3 - How Do I Break In A New Chainsaw? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHaXgmSPbdtli5Y 👉DAY 4 - Does Soaking WeedEater Line In Water Actually Help? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmXLd4GVn9uYg8U 👉DAY 5 - Why Does My Briggs Lawn Mower Say Never Change The Oil? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4eqnpiqnLSWndE 👉DAY 6 - Can I Use Outboard Mix Oil In My Chain Saw? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/d53QlpqYm7p9prc 👉DAY 7 - What Is Your Favorite Chain Saw? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX6tlntmn6iWfq8 👉DAY 8 - Why Does My Grass Chute Keep Plugging Up? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaXFmZyErpllf7c 👉DAY 9 - What Does The Purge Bulb Actually Do? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZOngYhtaMuEh7s 👉DAY 10 - What Is Your Favorite Penetrating Oil? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKPdf6mVecdjkKM 👉DAY 11 - How Do I UnFlood My Chainsaw Or Weed Eater? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGG4n5mlgZqkjc0 👉DAY 12 - What Is The Best 2-Stroke Gas / Oil Mix Ratio? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5PWk36nj8esqNk 👉DAY 13 - Why Does My Leaf Blower Bog Out When I Pull The Trigger? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWXJfp2JnJyNlbc 👉DAY 14 - What Does WARRANTY Actually Mean? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/el6bYWhqhpuprpI 👉DAY 15 - Can I Remove ETHANOL From My Gas? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4vSZXyqjs6AebM 👉DAY 16 - Why Is My Pressure Washer So Hard To Pull Start? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6HMoaaaostrp9U 👉DAY 17 - Why Does My Chain Saw Leak Oil? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYGYeoeJe7yIkMk 👉DAY 18 - Can I Use Old Dirty Motor Oil As Bar And Chain Oil In My Chain Saw? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/n521i4Gpd7N4abs 👉DAY 19 - Should I Buy My John Deere Lawn Mower From Home Depot Or My Dealer? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4u1m4aPrL6br8U 👉DAY 20 - Do Battery Powered Chain Saws Work Good? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJObiYF9m62mh7c 👉DAY 21 - (FAKE NEWS) Honda Is Stopping Lawn Mower Production? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2W3hKqNfauVY9E 👉DAY 23 - NO SPARK! How Do I Know If My Coil / Ignition Module Is Faulty? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnOpq5KEZbirq7s 👉DAY 24 - Will I DESTROY My Pressure Washer By Doing THIS? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGOynX-Edr9-l5o 👉DAY 25 - How Do I Fix An On/Off Kill Switch? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6rEhqN9nZZseas 👉DAY 26 - Why doesn’t my lawnmower have an oil drain plug on it? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/eImtk4qNnbKeZtU 👉DAY 27 - Why Is There Black Oil Coming Out Of My Muffler? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX-rlYieatmFpaM 👉DAY 28 - Can I Put A LONGER Bar On My Chain Saw? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/haO1pquVfLiEh7M 👉DAY 29 - Why Does My Engine STOP Running After A Few Minutes? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2avdqqEnpKam68 👉DAY 30 - Can I Make A Lawn Mower Run On Propane? ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5y8dJRnjM15fdU

[@RedneckHillbilly-ho9md]

Yes I have in fact gotten many of engines to spark again by wire brushing the rust off the flywheel and magneto, now these were engines that had sat out in the rain for a long time but yes it works in that case.

[@feero9680]

im struggling with a no spark issue. the output reading of my pulser is only 0.1v ac. ive replaced the stator and still same low reading. my flywheel is rusty but previously, it works fine. then suddenly it stops working. now its sitting looking for an answer to the problem. after reading your comment, there must be some hope to reviving my bike again

[@ethanmiller3935]

I agree 100% that cleaning the rust off the magnets on the flywheel won't fix a non-spark issue. But I will say cleaning dirt, oil, and similar crap off the coil plates will fix a no-spark issue. That's because the coil can't pick up the magnet. Did that on a 3.5 horse brings a couple years ago. It ran, quit running, checked for spark multiple ways, no spark, checked to see if the flywheel key sheared, cleaned coil because it was dirty, re-gapped it, and it fired up. The coil was 100% covered in dirt and grime from 30 years of use.

[@irieman442]

I not only remove the rust from my flywheels, I polish them to a high sheen. That way they cut through the air with less resistance when I throw them in the trash. LOL Thanks for making me laugh.

[@peachsncream5808]

😂👣🦘👍

[@Banditt42]

add some pinstriping. It makes it go faster.

[@timothydolan5587]

Thank you for making "Me" laugh. Good one!

[@systemt7]

Awesome.

[@tjt4036]

I have never cleaned rust off a flywheel. I have used beer for mental therapy and fixed a no spark problem. Keep up the great videos.

[@jamesmcdonald6047]

I joined a Small Engine Class in High School almost 50 years ago. Our final exam was taking apart, then rebuilding 3 1/2 hp Briggs and Stratton engine!!! Even after attending college, it was probably the best Life Skills class I ever had. Something I have used throughout my life. We used old keypunch cards to set Air Gap then, so much fun!!!

[@jamesmcdonald6047]

Oh, I wear my Steve’s S E Saloon T Shirt when working on my lawn equipment. That, and a Beer makes for Happy Mowing!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

I took the same class back some 45 years ago! Great info to get some basics on how a 4 strike engine works. Did a project on it for a science fair.

[@kenbrown2808]

so what you're saying is you were among the first to use computer tech to adjust the coil properly.

[@jamesmcdonald6047]

@@kenbrown2808 Well? Yes, since you put it that way!🤔 👍

[@daleclementson8761]

So you know, I have been enjoying your 30 days of questions. You never disappoint.

[@trumpzilla4193]

I wish physicians were more like you Stevo!

[@kurtknispel9170]

You have to reset the polarity of the flywheel especially if you change hemispheres

[@tomrogers9467]

Wrong. You just have to run the engine upside down. I”m smart. i’m very smart. i’m soooooo. Smart! I also won in 2020.

[@timothydolan5587]

Too funny, all the way around! Hahahehehe!!!

[@Robalo-2660]

Thank you Steve and April. I'm one of those guys that never gives up on a piece of equipment. I've got an old B&S from '72 on an edger. I've found coil grounds open, corrosion on the point, open capacitors and the one thing that got me was the cam pin that operates the points. It would hang up and not let the points open. I got real good at removing flywheels.I clean the magnets but I've never found that to be a non run issue.

[@Herbybandit]

Totally agree! It's just the way I do things but I'll remove all the rust from a flywheel so there's a clear air gap between the coil and flywheel so I can set the correct gap also I can't stand rusty components it eventually leads to failure! Rust is contagious If there's no spark it's nothing to do with a rusty flywheel unless the rust has jacked the magnet off.

[@jasonthomas8770]

Slightly more complicated question, but will cleaning my windshield add fuel to my gas tank? I typically clean my windshield at the gas station. Seems to be working for me.

[@rodneybrand8521]

Adding blinker fluid helps too..🤣🤣🤣

[@jasonthomas8770]

@@rodneybrand8521 I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.

[@donmayberryjrsOPE]

Just don't buy high beam test, not worth it

[@timothydolan5587]

Don't forget to grease your muffler bearings also. I keep my muffler bearings well greased and i get awesome gas milage on my mountain bike.

[@bryanhebert9328]

Good advice, I always clean the flywheel and coil to make sure i get an accurate setting on the coil

[@ericparkin8305]

Steve, i know you won't believe this but i had a situation where cleaning off the rust actually worked. I had to do it every spring because I had to leave the mower outside. I think it was because the rust built up to much and did something to ground out the magnetic field or something, but i did work. Just on that mower. All i can do is shrug. Keep up the good work.

[@bobbycalcote]

Spark, maybe not. But proper clearance, definitely helps. I always like to clean the rust off for that reason if nothing else

[@marksmith9295]

Good information Steve. Hasnt "sparked" as much controversy as yesterdays video which is fine with me:) Many older flywheels may need remagnetizing but this has nothing to do with rust. Cheers!

[@MsKaren1219]

How do you remagnatize a flywheel?

[@johnstevens7571]

I really, really enjoy your information, the workshop setting, and personality that goes with it Steve. You’d be the perfect neighbor! Best wishes.

[@dennishunter5034]

I agree with you Steve. The rust on your flywheel will not stop spark. However a bad ignition module, capacitor or dirty points will definitely affect your spark. Take care.

[@willfriar8054]

Rust screws up the magnet you have to clean it up. Get it shiny. Put a thin coat of marine grease on the magnet and the coil that you polished. Fold over several layers of paper to space the coil from the flywheel. You need it pretty close too

[@Rob_1776]

Yes I have cleaned the flywheel magnet! To set the gap! But never have I just taken the cover off and cleaned the flywheel rust! Because I had no spark! And when you think about it! It probably gets rust! On the flywheel! After a short period of time! So you'd be cleaning it frequently! Especially if you have humidity, etc! And the manual would probably tell you to clean! The rust off in the maintenance schedule! Have a great weekend Steve and April Cheers 🍻

[@jasonmelancon8096]

In my 39 yrs of repairs I have actually had only a couple handfulls of bad spark plugs on 4 strokes. Many on 2 strokes but few on 4 strokes and most of them Champion plugs. It’s the first thing that gets replaced And usually the least of problems.

[@lonhoschar1943]

I agree 100%!! If the rust is pretty bad I'll clean it off for the same reason you gave. It also just makes me "feel" better to know its off 😁

[@janbill79]

If your somebody that leaves a roto tiller or lawn mower that has points sit where moisture gets to the flywheel, And the thing is just covered, I maybe wrong ( but I would remember taking off the flywheel as It's more work to get to the points). And removing that heavy rust fixed it. multiple times.

[@jamesspinks716]

I had a Honda run well for a few minutes then loose power and cut out. All I did was sand the wheel and adjust the gap on the coil. The problem went away. I’m know that rust takes up more space than steel so I wonder if it just made the gap larger. This engine had spark obviously but lost it when it warmed up. It’s still a mystery to me but it was a cheap fix for my mates dads log splitter. James out.

[@rebeltaz123]

I do clean the rust off the flywheels, not because magnetism can't go through the rust, but because if that rust is thicker in any spot than the clearance between the flywheel and the coil poles, that rust will short the ignition out. I have seen that happen before. It's rare, but it can and does happen. Better safe than sorry, I always say... :shrug:

[@mikedaugharty5544]

You are so correct on that one Steve it does not make a bit of difference usually it's the coil or the CDI whichever it might be points

[@georgesimpson3113]

You'll be better off using a micrometer or feeler gauge for what you are doing. As a commercial printer for over 35 years I can tell you about the thinnest "card stock" is about .014 of an inch. (finish affects this) Most of the "card stock" I ran was thicker at around .020 of an inch IIRC. (But it's not measured in that way... it's really by weight. But that will just get you confused. The same weight stock in a different finish will affect thickness) Some were twice that. Decent bus cards go in Cover stock, not card stock. Then there are overprint varnishes, etc. There is no such thing as a 'standard bus card' stock. Each shop may be a "shop standard" so they can limit clients choices, but... - "card stock" - 90lb index and 65lb cover are about the same thickness. Just as 110lb index and 80lb cover is about the same. Again, finish will affect this as will brand, etc. You could just mic out a bus card that you always use and write it on it then you'll know what you are setting things at.

[@DerekFletcher1]

Yeah, Steve's right. I recently had no spark on my riding mower and it has two spark plugs and modules. One of the modules stopped working so I replaced it and I didn't even bother with touching the bit of rust on the flywheel and back up an running. It's magnetism that gives you spark, not a contact patch because there's not contact.

[@niceguynnc1]

You are SPOT ON. If you have no spark it's either a ground wire issue to the ignition module or the ignition module itself. ( unless you're working on a oldie with points and condenser...)

[@NovaBill6264]

I've learned that it helps but the coil is what makes spark and the right gap helps to but I do agree with you about the flywheel not needing to be cleaned

[@markschoenhals4816]

So good to hear someone else say what I’ve been saying for decades. You two make a awesome team. Keep them coming Steve. O drinking shiner tonight. 😊

[@halflife82]

100% Steve. I’m a small engine mechanic myself, and hundreds of engines later, I’ve never EVER once even considered someone would think rust on the flywheel would stop the magnet from working. 😂 Epic, just epic. I’ll have to watch more of your videos, you’ve got some great content for things we as mechanics do without even thinking about most times. 💪

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@aaronpowell4885]

Agreed. Fix a no spark situation? no. Maby help with weak spark if one cleans the rust off flywheel AND where the coil mounts to engine. Reducing electrical resistance!

[@andrewshedron425]

I agree with you 100% Best way to look at it, the surface rust had no effect on a magnet. Points however relies on contact which will effect it.

[@MitzvosGolem1]

I clean and put coat of grease on it to stop rust . On salt water marine engines rust can jack magnets loose also.

[@concernedcitizen9110]

Hey I love your 30 days 30 questions can you do more now and then?

[@sneak6654]

Love this video series and hoping you can extend it.

[@rickthelian2215]

Your right Steve, best check the ignition coil with a multimeter.😊

[@matthewtE]

I'm completely rebuilding an old 725 sears tractor. Put new wires in that I personally cut and crimped myself, cleaned up the carburetor via manual, fixed the starter generator, new battery, new sparkplug... but no spark on the rusty, original magneto. I wonder if either the contacts are too rusted or if it's a ground issue. I gapped it to the max gap and even the minimum gap, but no spark. Should I sand down the rusty contacts or just order a new magneto? I would think that it just being a coil that it would work. I used a multimeter on it, and it has a few continuity failure spots, but it's fine on most points. Everything else works on the engine though. Maybe the new sparkplug needs to be gapped? ...Writing this all out got me thinking of a few things I could try actually... Thanks for the video though!

[@markkinney5030]

It's really funning people ask me that same question too! For me as a small engine tech for 45 years now they think it does make have spark and so on. I tell them it does make it have spark! Cleaning the rust off if its that bad for setting the air gap thats one thing like you said Steve no it does not give spark its funning we as tech's still hear that question.

[@randymulhollen9840]

Flashing a coil of copper with a magnet produces AC current within the coil. Rust doesn't negate the effect of the magnetic flash. It would be interesting your opinion of how critical is the air gap. I bought a used scag with a 19hp Kawasaki. Was mowing with it fine, running fine, but had to go into the top to replace upper crank seal. Found the coils set almost 1/4" from the flywheel, and it was running. Compromised my understanding of setting at 0.012. Your thoughts? Might be an interesting video on the effect of wider gaps to spark propensity.

[@willfriar8054]

Also remember that when you reset the screw to set your distance you are regrounding the coil that might have had a bad ground before through the screw

[@mickisix9092]

actually helped a lot. I have an old garden way that had been sitting in my dad's shop for 10+ years. The flywheel is rusty but I noticed the rust on the magnets. I had replaced the coil. Needed the gap distance and to know if I needed to clean the rust on the magnets to set the gap. I won't worry about the flywheel but will clean the magnets before I set the gap. Thanks!

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Thanks for the video Steve and April well done 👍✅ All good 👍. Take care of yourself and family and be Blessed ❤️❤️❤️ it.

[@gharv1313]

Awesome explanation SteveO! I definitely will leave the rust alone and crack a cold one open for therapy 😆. Steve and April Out! 🍻

[@rtaylor8322]

The 30 Days of Questions has driven me to purchase mini-cans of beer. I'm used to watching 30 minute SSES videos and savoring a beer as I watch you work and teach. Knockin'em down in 3 minutes has my wife beginning to be concerned. Keep up to wood gork...hiccup....

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Your point about a magnet being able to work through one ten thousandth of an inch I think says it all. Can’t argue with that.

[@barryewalt3250]

You are absolutely right Steve, this is probably the best video so far of the 30 days.🍺🍺

[@hughatkins]

Steve, I watch you because your experienced and you explain what’s going on. Who could want more?

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@rodneybrand8521]

I always clean rust off the flywheel just to make it look purdy

[@mrbubetube]

flywheel bling impresses the babes

[@ronwatson4902]

Absolutely right again! No bull.

[@WarpedSpeed]

I have found that if you touch the plug wire while pulling the cord it will guarantee that they coil will spark

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Well, bless your hearts. Thank you for another excellent video, Steve and April.

[@bobadams3661]

I have an Ariens 7524 snowblower. What is an equivalent replacement ignition module. Original has 1A138-52-12 written on it. Also 5111 under that lettering. Love your videos!!! Thank you

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

I've had to clean the rust off on a machine that's been sitting for a long time to get it to pass the coil,being an electrician I new the answer to that one.

[@dt3510]

Steve I have a ch15 kohler series 2000 . The C Cadet would run then quit. No spark -I replaced the coil . It works now . Old one had a very heavy build up of grease & mud . Buffed old coil with wire wheel . The build up was in the center. Then Checked old coil with meter it read 16.3 . Can muddy stiff grease cause it to quit . Or is working Sporadically . Thank you for you’re knowledge.

[@dt3510]

Just watched day 29 - put hair dryer on high for 5 minutes pointed at coil. DEAD Thanks I appreciate you .

[@mnhoss2100]

Interesting and a good description to why. But i will clean it anyway for setting gap as you said. 👍🤟

[@doctwiggenberry5324]

Like your no nonsense answer to that question.. Look forward to tomorrow.

[@robertmailhos8159]

The thing is that clean the points and condenser on older engine s.the other problem with the ignition coil is it could be rust welded to the flywheel

[@angusmacgyver3673]

this video rings to mind, my briggs 15.5 OHV engine. yes it still had spark despite the rust, no the engine would not run or even start, so i cleaned the rust from the flywheel, and cleaned the rust from the coil where the magnet passes the coil, reset the air-gap to make sure i had 10 thousandths clearance, and like magic, the engine started. one thing i noticed after the cleaning, before i reset the air gap, (took flywheel off, did not think the gap had to be adjusted since i never took the coil loose) when i put in the gauge, i found the air gap for the coil was not where briggs and stratton says it needs to be for the coil to fire properly. makes me wonder if it is true, what i was told over 20 years ago, that too much or too little air gap can change the ignition timing. after the coil and flywheel were cleaned, the gap was 15-16 thousandths, and my briggs engines run with the gap being 10-12 thousandths.

[@jackm6307]

I'm working on an old 12.5 briggs rear engine with flywheel/coil completly exposed to weather for yesrs, or so it seems, so much so that I'm a little concerned about piting, and besides, it just looks bad and I want it off there. Even if it were the minimal normal rust situation for these parts my OCD would likeky win out.

[@willfriar8054]

1 in of Steel makes 3 in of rust. A particle of rust hits the coil and moves the coil. They use a spacer to set that very close. I've seen them pushed off as much as the 16th of an inch that's a very weak spark

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Great subject guys! I have heard the same myth! Never seen “the solution” work

[@akyukon]

Agreed yall. I usually run a piece of sandpaper around the flywheel, just to clean it, not to make it magically work. When I've had no spark, and I've changed the plug, it's almost always the ignition coil. Only 1 time have I had a bad on/off rocker switch.

[@Ron-0417]

Up until today, I have determined that all your prior episodes were recorded on the same day. The computer has always been in the exact same spot on the bench, with the black clip on the side, April's hair has been the same, with the same amount hanging in front of her ears, and even Steve's hoodie cords are hanging the same each "day". Well, today, the clip is gone from the computer, and April's hair is not hanging in font of her ears, but Steve's cords are still hanging the exact same.... Just some of the weird things you notice, watching you two every day for 22 days.

[@simonmorris8651]

Ha! I was thinking the same - all recorded on same day, nothing wrong with that. Then yes! I too noticed a change today. April has different trousers on and Steve is wearing a slightly more peachy shade of blusher 👍. Don't worry Steve and April, we are paying attention to the brilliant content, we're just obsessive fanboys. Absolutely love the 30 Days, thanks so much for your time and effort.

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

I suspect that anyone who thinks they've fix a no-spark issue by cleaning the magnets has unknowingly corrected a poor ground from the coil to engine block or removed a kill circuit short to ground. Either way, the pay is the same.

[@carlhewitt899]

Steve have you ever had a bad flywheel, magneto, magnets are failing so you have spark but not enough to fire the engine ?

[@mikejoyal4855]

Thanks once again for your time and help, April! Oh, and you too Stevie

[@chrisatkins7959]

Thanks for including Steve. He needs an honorable mention at least lol.

[@dragonwaterforge]

Awsome vid again you and your daughter are such a good team

[@jasong7374]

Been servicing b and s for 27 years, seen many customers cleaning the flywheel to regain spark,never seen it work to regain spark, only useful to clean for respacing IGN module or coil

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Steve and April.

[@derrasenmaher9730]

I never heard that rust is the problem. Like you said Steve, rust is not the problem. It could be the ignition coil/module, a broken cable or just a bad spark Plug.

[@KRAMPUS_G60_16V]

Holy shit I'd love to see outtakes and bloopers of Steve :D

[@concernedcitizen3651]

So what about cleaning the pick up on the coil?....Peace

[@Ethan7s]

Steve, my well has run dry, will doing my laundry make the well fill up again?

[@joelmollenkopf3767]

Go out and piss in well that will help fill it back up

[@dlkline27]

Three times in my life (I'm 84) I've had ignition failures on small engines. Every time it was failure of the ignition module. I've been most fortunate by not having ever been plagued with a rusty flywheel.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@NA-pg4lf]

I restore engines from a junk yard. What you said is true. I only clean the rust off of the rust is so bad the rust is dragging on the coil out of it makes it hard to pull. I’ll wirewheel off the rust just so I don’t destroy the coil.

[@philipm1009]

Steve ,I have a old lawnmower can the pulleys if they have a bit of surface rust can it cause wear or abusive to the belts ,can they be cleaned up or do they have to be replaced ? If you could let me know if you clean them up or just replace them ,thank

[@charlescase1026]

YEP, removing the rust from the flywheel will not fix the "no spark" problem, but the flywheel sure looks good without the rust. Another great video that entertains and informs the end-user. I laugh out loud at your hand and facial expressions. Good Job! TTFN/CDC Alberta Canada

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@Borntoride125]

Really appreciate this!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@JohnR9965]

Didn’t Briggs have a bulletin stating sanding off the rust is not necessary

[@happycamper6352]

Here's my "any comments you want" just to satisfy the KZbin algorithms to support the channel. Here's my BS explanation that could in rare cases be true: When you do what is suggested by the question at hand, you're doing other things too, unbeknownst to you. In other words, when you pull an engine out and do something unrelated, you could inadvertently bump something like a plug wire or whatnot and close the previously open/short circuit. So many times, taking something apart and putting it back together fixes something without you actually truly knowing what you did to make it work again. The problem with this is that if it works, it's likely temporary because these kind of fixes are band-aids at best, because the problem that caused the short at first isn't really fixed, it's only bumped to temporarily working again, where it could short again very easily.

[@markszczepaniak5888]

Good one Steve and April, just wondering what brand of beer have you used as a rust remover, I use to use "Red Cap" back in the day. Lol

[@johnr5545]

Thanks god bless

[@outdoorfreedom9778]

But how do you really feel about it??? When I have the cover off of any of my engines I clean the flywheel. Go ahead, ask me why? Because it makes it look pretty! I like pretty! Seriously, Just because the cover is off and I can get the cleaning brush in there to clean them. I have never had one rusted, just full of sawdust and dirt. Who knows, maybe it helps the balance?? Sure looks Purrrdy though!

[@spokane43]

Thanks, on the last day you and April should both have a beer!

[@mrbubetube]

he should tell everyone to clean the flywheel with beer

[@Isaiah5417GdLk]

Ive always had a theory this was the case, but wasnt sure, thank you for adressing this.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@jongraff6931]

I wholeheartedly agree!

[@RaysLaughsAndLyrics]

I never do.. the mice in my area take care of it.. Seems they have an iron deficiency ..a bit anemic I'm told.🐭

[@derekanderson4940]

awesome Steve your right Derek 2 👍🍻

[@garrycoy806]

I always used a business sitting the points on my Chevelle thinking it was 30-35000s . guess there alott thiner now.

[@kenbrown2808]

wonder how many people cleaned the rust off, reset the coil, fixed the bad spark plug boot, and put in a fresh plug and decided it was cleaning the flywheel that made the difference. I guess the related question would be can a flywheel develop enough rust to either short the coil or push it out of position, without being an obvious mechanical issue.

[@markoaks8694]

1 100% agree!

[@jameswarren436]

on a mower that has been setting out in the weather I clean the wheel because it wasnt rusted new. I just figure it cant hurt... no other reason?

[@chuckennuggett]

I've never heard anyone say that about cleaning rust on a flywheel. I know that you're supposed to take the boots off the spark plug and then pull it the starter a bunch of times and then if you see lightning coming out you got a good spark and if you don't see that lightning coming out then there's no spark

[@a.maronis1918]

Perfect, except you did not solute with the lucky beer.

[@allanbruce9473]

Well "I", a well-seasoned guy, am stumped. So anyone's help appreciated. Four year old Briggs and Stratton 125P02-0012-F1 8HP vertical (lawnmower). Running fine then poof. On hand and all new OEM: carb. magneto and set at .012 using two feelers leaves to make sure both gaps identical. New spark plug. NO SPARK. Cleaned the flywheel magnets. Replaced the magneto ground wire. Still no spark - and I looked in my dark garage with the plug out of the engine and the lead attached. Grounded the plug threads. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Such a simple system and I replaced all the components but the flywheel - which the magnets do appear strong.

[@natesurmon3455]

Hi Steve can u make a vid of your collection of engines ,piston pls I’m obsessed with your vids

[@jamesstubblefield2349]

You are 100% correct, I regap the coil, if no spark I replaced the coil and bingo, spark, this is only one percent of the time, but as you know you can check this also

[@guycripplecock7804]

I've had it work several times on Briggs and Stratton flat head engines