No fire? No Spark? CHECK THIS FIRST How to make sure your ignition module is BAD on ANY small engine

Thanks for tuning back into Chickanic! If you found this video helpful, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and COMMENT!!
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My name is Bre. I took two years of small engine repair at the local college. When I left school, I fell into a wonderful job at a local small engine shop where I worked the counter for a couple years. In 2010 my husband and I opened up our own small engine shop in central Arkansas where I am able to work alongside my family and best friends. We see over 2,000 pieces of small engine equipment every year, and answer 1,000's of small engine questions. We specialize in brands such as Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Echo and Shindaiwa, but work everyday on MANY other brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda, Craftsman, Remington, Red Max, Troy Bilt, Scag, Bad Boy, Hustler, World Lawn, Poulan, Mantis, Etc.. Hopefully, my experience I share, will save you Time, Money and Frustration in the future!
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Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.
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[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@bertkelly7650]

I use my digital electric meter set on OHMs. Stick one end into the spark plug end and the other to ground. Just rotate the flywheel when the magnet passes over the coil, it will read zeros. No need for expensive do dads or have someone yank. Now you know. : - )

[@JungleJimAB9AB]

This I want to see.

[@vicpetrishak7705]

A Lisle p/n 20700 . Spark Energy ( SE ) tester $10.00 - $15.00 Very good and will last a lifetime . 2/23

[@renegist]

I just realized I have been doing business with your shop on and off for the last three years. The funniest part, I was watching your videos for advice on problems I could not solve on my own. Thank yall for your help in shop and on KZbin. Have a good one!!!!

[@dianajade9130]

Yes! Yay! I found my answer after several days working on my lawnmower. After oil change, fresh premium gas, new spark plug, and taking apart the entire carburetor cleaning it out then putting it all back together.Then I came across your channel and watched this video. The first thing you said is to check the cable to see if it opens enough to release kill switch. YES! That was it! I am so happy!!You are the best! Thank you so very much!❤❤❤

[@bradmoyer9737]

Saw a lady on the TV (fan) at the Coke 600 race that looked just like you - lucky 🍀 lady!

[@prisscat61]

Thank you so much for the hint on tipping the mower forward to get it started after it had been sitting for a while! I had to replace a stop wire, which was back ordered, so found a car stereo guy who fixed it for me free! Thank God! And also found a guy who gave the tip on using a business card to space when replacing the coil, which was fine just didn’t realize it had to be spaced right when putting it back in place! And you taught me about it most likely wasn’t the coil when you weren’t getting a spark. I love tinkering with things I think I can fix and am so thankful for all my KZbin teachers! You are my new favorite channel!😊

[@Thestargazer56]

I "mashed" that subscribe button a long time ago! Great content! From eastern NC where we "mash" things and always check for the "far" in the spark plug. Echo SRM 225 trimmer, and Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 Enduro with fabricated deck. Ran a JD LA 115 for 16 years and gave it to my 15 YO grandson who completely restored it and it still runs like a champ.

[@williamwinsor7376]

I thought you were going to grab the plug and turn off the lights and get x rays like in a cartoon! And the finger with a little of skin hanging off from being scraped is charming too because it happens constantly.

[@jamescallis2774]

Crazy thing, but I've had this happen twice: bad coil turned out to be good coil with bad ground to block. I admit it's rare, but a quick wire brush cleaning and reinstall is worth the time. I'm sure there's an ohm test of some kind, but that's above my skillset. I LOVE your videos!

[@soulassassin2494]

Love how you explain and break it down Bre! Enjoy your holiday weekend ❤️💯

[@christopherhamm1574]

My 22 year old Echo SRM2110 would not start a few weeks ago. No spark at all. I tried to look up a new coil but alas, most parts are no longer available. After 22 years of trouble free service I opted to buy a new Echo SRM266. I always use echo based premix and attribute that and the high quality of Echo products for their long life. Anyway, the new trimmer worked great (as expected). I did find a new aftermarket replace,et coil on Ebay for $18 and figured it was worth a shot. The coil arrived in a few days and once installed I put the trimmer back together, two pulls in the cold start mode it coughed. I opened the choke and in one pull it fired right up. I used it yesterday for about 2.5 hours and it ran like new. Since the 2110 has a boom handle I will put the brush blade on and use it exclusively as a brush cutter. My CS400 chainsaw and 255 blower/vac never let me down either. Sorry to sound like a commercial but I am totally impressed by my Echo products.

[@delseckora5327]

Great job yet again Bre. Very helpful to those homeowners that want to fix their own stuff and save a buck

[@tonyd1149]

Excellent video. Thank you for making & posting it.

[@fatherofmimes4236]

Great upload Thanks Bre! Your tutorials are easy on the brain.

[@MartinP1214]

Love your videos, I learn something useful every time.

[@themoe6701]

Your videos are THE BOMB! Super practical and with the "why" to do something or not. You've helped my diagnostics by leaps and bounds. Keep doing these!!

[@dgb56bgd]

Excellent content. Always educational and humorous. Blessings.

[@brewster3987]

South Carolina here. "Far" is understood with no explanation necessary. Also, on the same struggle bus with reading glasses.🤣

[@jaybales3160]

Thank you. I learned some very useful tips.

[@jreeder6168]

Good demonstration. Thanks

[@Upnorthof48]

Ha I assumed FAR was a acronym for fuel, air, and while I was trying to figure out what R meant, you explained the language barrier! I’m in N MN 😎

[@CrossfireRepairsByPaul]

*_Great to see someone with experience show so much details on how to repair these items!!_*

[@johnhoff2806]

Awesome tips thank you 😊

[@hickorystx]

I must say, you are very thorough in your explanations on multiple models for spark checking. Nicely done. 👍 liked the kitty cameo segment 😻

[@aussiedirtdigger755]

Another great video with plenty of useful information thanks

[@dandydonslife9869]

Great info to know, will definitely help if having a problem with spark. Thanks.

[@PaulThomas-qo9vy]

Lots good ign.. Coil/module info., Thanks! That's a beautiful cat.

[@christopherhamm1574]

Great channel with great info. Thanks

[@tonym6920]

Great tips! For the life of me, I don’t understand why they don’t make those testers with an audible, as well as a visible signal. How hard could that be right? lol. Thanks fir the vid! 👍👍

[@rickharper1497]

Yes! Make one with audible tone like checking for continuity!!!

[@andybub45]

I think Snap On might

[@ironhorse7588]

Thanks for the tips 👍

[@Illinois-Wildlife-Encounters]

Thanks Chick! You rock!

[@B4TS1]

A sparkling presentation ⚡

[@markdanielczyk944]

I have a Lisle tool spark tester, works great. I agree the Briggs Quantam engines are the best, currently using one that is nineteen years old, still starts and gets the job done!

[@jon592xp]

Very interesting, good info.Thanks

[@leechjim8023]

I remember my Dad introduced me to mowing 50 years ago and there was no cable bullshit!!!😀😀😋

[@30cpe]

Thanks! I just got my log splitter back up and running for a few pennies thanks to your video. A mouse chewed the wire from the switch to the coil. A foot of auto wire and two connectors had it up and running again. I really appreciate how you get right to the point with your videos and actually do the work while you talk instead of blathering on and on while just standing in front of the camera like so many of the "experts" on KZbin are prone to do.

[@dannyhigginbotham6635]

Thank you, excellent video. Very informative

[@jjparody8257]

I rigged a simple device that helps me with this tricky procedure. I fastened a couple of alligator clamps onto each end of about a one foot long electrical wire. One of the clamps is big enough to grip over the metal part of the spark plug. The other clamp can be just about any size so long as it can grip & ground onto a piece of metal (I use a a 6" angle bracket). This gives me the flexibility to have both hands free to spin he motor which can sometimes be done by by hand turning the flywheel, or on bigger engines, I can use a drill or impact. Thus, I can do this in a position where I can see the spark.

[@rooster3019]

Just a shade tree DIY here,. I have a spark tester, when I can find it, that is an "in line" design. One end plugs into the sprak plug boot and the other fits onto the plug without bothering to remove the plug from the head. I turn the shop light off and pull the starter rope to see the flash or not see the flash. If I can not find my tester among the clutter, I place a known good spark plug onto the high tension lead and darken the shop before pulling the rope to see or not see spark. If the shroud with starter recoil if off of the motor, I use electric drill with socket on the flywheel nut to spin the motor while I observe, the that usually does require the spark plug to be removed to reduce comression as the drill is not as strong as me. Just lazy, I guess...

[@robertabele5196]

My family had a 2 cycle shop. I don't miss it but glad I've never took a engine to a shop. Engine parts are so cheap now. Everything is plastic.

[@jetobey5656]

It is a real pleasure to learn from a very practical, but experienced small engine expert. ( though I noticed a Carb riser for a Holley in a scene.) "I am 76, but "chicks" have never been an issue for me in a male dominated world. I owned, built, repaired and drove premium sprint cars and midgets for about 15 years. Many times, my high school age daughter was my crew chief. She controlled setup and tuning and I put my life in her hands. I am proud of her, as you may imagine.

[@MarcHord-mk5ff]

Looking good today, chickanic. Great info.

[@almclean4835]

Great video 👍

[@bobbyb3349]

I did a repair on a 2 year old, low hours, Stihl MS170 saw that would not start. Not even a pop. Had fuel (new fuel), 130psi of compression, new plug, correct coil to flywheel gap, and had fire. Even-though the saw produced spark, my suspicion was a weak coil. A shot of starting fluid (designed for gasoline engines) directly in the cylinder, did not show any sign toward a successful start. New coil replacement did the trick. I watched a few of your videos. Excellent. Well done and very thorough.

[@patthomas7472]

Great video!

[@michaelschmitzerle2587]

Love Chickanic! You’re the best❣️👍

[@Chickanic]

Aw! Thanks!!

[@alberthartje7641]

Adorable putty tat! 🐾🐈‍⬛♥️🐾

[@whitetiger8652]

Appreciate the video!

[@catchacow1927]

Thank you for the video Bre 👍🏻

[@Chickanic]

Good morning Catcha Cow!

[@rodneygreen9968]

Thanks Chickanic. Great Video & Very Helpful Information.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for watching!

[@ufos22]

A few weeks ago I wrote a comment to ChickMec that my mower didn't have a spark and if the problem wasn't the kill switch, how likely is it the coil. Never got an answer to my question, BUT now she comes out with a video about checking coils. WHAT ARE THE CHANCES !!!!!!OH, BTW. It was the kill switch

[@Chickanic]

Sorry I missed your question! Glad you figured it out!

[@raytreat6599]

That was very helpful!

[@BritishBeachcomber]

The best engine Briggs ever made was on my dad's 1960s cylinder mower. Never failed, never burned oil, didn't even need a new spark plug. It was still going strong after 40 yesrs.

[@user-it4wp3hl9c]

Your videos are very good.

[@redhawk4859]

Thanks for the video

[@stevenhuckey6718]

Keep up the great knowledge sharing 👏 👍 👌 super great videos! Thank You.

[@leechjim8023]

Cute kitty!😄😄😼

[@mariannepa4583]

You're awesome, I just fixed my lawnmower! I feel so empowered!

[@craigbeas6111]

Who doesn't like their belly rubbed 🤩cute cat 😍😍😍😍😍

[@plap.]

The big one not mentioned on the mowers is a sheared key way from hitting an object with a quick stop of the engine. Just the little shift in the flywheel and nada. On most of the mowers I have salvaged over the years this has been the main reason they were tossed

[@dandemars3709]

Very good video

[@Ron-ds2ob]

Great info, thanks. Any chance on doing a video on the proper use of the Walbro and Zama fuel metering adjustment tools?

[@user-um3tg5yp6o]

Great i am 80 and your videos clear the cobwebbs from my memory banks really helpful and good feeling again to fix small problems you have covered john

[@robertsmith7580]

I went to the inlaws to find my father inlaw beating the hell out of the flywheel of his push mower , I asked him what he was doing and he said I can't get the flywheel off so I can check the points and I had to explain to him it didn't have points so I fixed it for him and now he knows how to do it himself !

[@fixit4182]

Oh! Thank you for that information on Echo products, I have a trimmer that is echo but it works just fine and it’s 17 years old

[@jomama01]

Great tutorial! Will confess that small engine ignition feels more involved than automotive systems - this does great job of simple diagnosis of potential coil failure. Speaking of ignition, have you done anything comparing different brands of spark plugs? Have always been partial to Champion in 4 cycle and NGK in 2 strokes, but what, if any professional recommendations can you give?

[@jessiemae6873]

For 22 years I worked at grain elevators. We had many B&S engines mounted on various pieces of equipment that farmers would take to the field and then return. Everything was stored out in the weather. 99 times out of a hundred, a no spark was caused by the coil and the magnet on the flywheel being rusted. Not a thin layer but a really thick layer. Remove the coil, shine it and the magnet with emery cloth and all was super sparky. Even though my equipment is stored indoors, that's still the first thing I check. After that it's on to your method. Thank you for all the really great information!

[@collectingonthecheap56353]

Thanks, always informational.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for watching!

[@tonyhericks182]

Very good video! I was in a similar issue with my late father in laws Stihl 026 Chain Saw that I inherited. I pulled and pulled and pulled that thing until my arm fell off one day in the woods lol...I new it wasn't a fuel issue since I could smell fuel, so figured it was spark related, checked for spark there was little to no spark...changed out plug and still had little spark, took off the side cover and checked my wiring to the coil, it was all good, that's when I noticed there was quite a large air gap between the flywheel and the coil. Pulled the coil, checked to see if the magnets were broken but they were in great shape. Did a little research and set the coil back to recommend spec air gap. This is something that should be checked as well. Love your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@philipbreau1246]

I had a couple of bad coils. One in a chainsaw and one in a lawnmower. Just put them in a 200 degree F oven for an hour. Moisture gets in and does something. The heat will drive out the moisture. Both coils now produce good spark.

[@geraldalfano5581]

I just spin the flywheel with an impact after disconnecting the magneto kill wire on four cycles; makes it a one person job.

[@georgevangordon9728]

It doesn’t embarrass me to say thank you I find your tutorials very helpful and I like learning

[@THEMOWERMEDIC1]

if it had been a dude would you feel the same way? asking for a friend

[@charritolopez8223]

@@THEMOWERMEDIC1 be nice Jeremy 😂

[@Gideon_Judges6]

I use inexpensive automotive spark testers on small engines too, but you have to keep in mind the spark will look a bit dimmer/weaker. So if you see any spark at all you're probably ok. I have a straight plug tester and a 90° plug tester and haven't found a situation where I need something else.

[@mikahakkinen5651]

hi. a did work in a shop with repairing small engines,it was not so rear with bad coils.that spark tester is awesome,did use similar tester

[@williamhunt2664]

Be sure to checkout the mounting screws for rust or corrosion too. Gap the module to.010 of an inch against the magnet for the best spark.

[@keithsimpson1268]

great video

[@keithtaber1712]

I'm retired but I still enjoy watching someone else work 🥴

[@nelsonthekkath4830]

It's fun to watch what I have been doing for last 30 years!! In the 30 years,10 years with marine engines. Once in a McCulloch brush cutter I was not able to kill the engine unless I pulled out the plug wire. The inside connection for switch from coil was not in contact. It was a new brush cutter. I changed and it's OK. All the best🙂🙂🙂

[@jspeedrc]

👍🏽 Great channel 👍🏽 From France 🇫🇷

[@beingthere597]

Great video as always. Would add 3 things: Loose coil module bolts causing too wide an air gap, internal break in spark plug wire, and boot clip slipped back into boot neck and not making good contact with spark plug tip. Last two could be checked with ohmmeter. Thanks again for making the time and effort to produce these videos!

[@roberthennesey5166]

love the camo !!!!

[@davidmorrell-ex5od]

No doubt about it, you have helped me no end with my chainsaws and other small motors.

[@curtisdupre5194]

Your hard worker

[@spokes5201]

I have a Poulan BVM 210 that has plenty of spark, compression and fresh gas that I am about to run over with my truck even though it looks brand new. Waiting on the fuel line kit for the old trusty Echo ES. I stopped tinkering with these until I found your channel when my Briggs 550e wouldn't run (the jet), now I have nearly everything fixed for $20 or less :) Big thanks.

[@rickstafford5316]

Thank you

[@alexvalerio5031]

Very nice 👍

[@watermanone7567]

Nice video, I recently had a couple of Honda engines that would die after they ran for a while, got hot, then the coil would fail. After cooling of the next day they would fire the engine again. Thanks for great video's. And yes the Quantum engines are great.

[@Wootangtw]

Thanks lady..,

[@rickharper1497]

Good Stuff!!

[@downeastoutdoors8713]

Hey chicanic great video!! Spot on with this one. I have a question I'm looking at picking up a tachometer for small engines 2 and 4 stroke, multiple cylinder able etc.. do you have one you would reccomend? I'm looking at grabbing the echo 1000 or 1000R not sure if those are two different versions. Thank you for the great channel and all the time you take too make videos for us 🇺🇸 😀 😊 Smash That 👍 up!!!!

[@briangoldman8209]

Fire in the hole !!! Ooops, no fire in the hole !!! Great information

[@paulcarovinci6796]

Another good video, thank you. I am looking to pick up a tachometer. The one you have listed isn't available do you recommend another?

[@georgepoirier9014]

Howdeee from Buckfield, ME.

[@buckshot8393]

I have a question but first have to compliment you on your great work with the videos. I am 70 years old and people have been needing a person like you for a long time. Your great. My son had someone give him an 18 inch craftsman trim chain saw. Starts always when cold but when warm no start. Any idea where to look. Thanks in advance.

[@AnthonyFrancisJones]

Great - you have probably done a video on this but it is easy enough to test the windings on the coil to see if there is continuity. Also - disconnect any kill wire - often there is just one and the other end is just to earth and put a continuity (beep) tester across it and check the kill switch is working properly at the coil end. Just a few simple checks to speed fault-finding up!

[@johnclarke6647]

In my experience it is the bayonet connector on the high tension lead, because some folks just pull it off without twisting it, first. I have an Oregon spark checker and my only problem with it is - you need to be in a dark place to see the spark.

[@bertgrau3934]

I had a Harbor Freight Predator engine, it would start fine when cold, once it got up to operating temperature, it would die, check for spark no spark. 5 minutes later it would start then die. I replaced the coil, no more problems. When you have an intermittent problem those can be harder to find. I do agree if the kill wire is bare at some point it can run and vibration can cause the wire to short out and kill the engine. It took me about 3 hours to figure out the problem on the Predator . Was a fairly easy fix.

[@darylkerr8058]

I have a TJ53e Kawasaki & Echo curft shaft and worrior straight shaft also Honda GCV 160 ALSO i learn a lot from your video's 📹. Daryl B. Kerr from Belfast North of Ireland

[@michaelspencer301]

You have no idea how many people come into my shop and say, ( My saw ! Weed eater or mower won't fire ! ),. What they mean is it won't fire up,, or start. You have to check it yourself. I have a spark tester just like that and love it. It can also determine if it has a strong or weak spark. Gap jump and color. Great video.

[@mikef6706]

Great Video I have been dealing with my lawn tractor shutting down abruptly after 10 minutes. Hard to restart. Once I finally get it started it will run for 30+ minutes no problem. It ended up being the magneto wire pinched behind the starter. I’m hoping this is resolved now. 👍👍👍👍👍Thank You