No Spark! What's going on with the 3212V Simplicity?

[@wendellvoisin7090]

I think those old time points had silver on the contacts. Yes, I always had to do that when the points would get dirty and tarnished from sitting up. Dirty spark plugs I'd just hit a few licks with a hand wire brush and make sure the tip was nice and flat and square to the arc contact. sometimes I'd run a small file through the gap to square things up and regap the plug. That would usually work just fine.

[@cjschoolcraft2038]

I have a simplicity 3514 h it lost spark about 5 years ago and I just shoved it to the back corner of the garage and there she sat because i dont have time being a truck driver and all...I just got her dug out yesterday..i think it's time to get her going, I'm glad you showed us where the points where because I was ready to tear the flywheel off ...

[@craigwood6931]

I have a 1966 Allis Chalmers B 10 that I use regularly, still runs and I enjoy riding it every week for whatever project I may be working on around the yard. A few weeks ago it decided not to start out of the blue, tried everything I could think of but still no luck. Last night I watched this video and decided to try your trick with the points and some sandpaper. Bingo! She started right up, needless to say I was thrilled. Thanks for making these videos, they are great. I watch them from time to time to get tips to keep the old girl running, your expertise never fails!

[@ZippoVarga]

I love stories like this Craig. It's why I make the videos!! Cheers! Zip~

[@tolbaszy8067]

I know this is an older video, but it is always pertinent. Thanks for making the videos! You do an excellent job of video and commentary.

[@pinoassenza2970]

Old time small engine mechanic told me best thing to clean points was a dollar bill.

[@rhondalynwright6762]

In the words of David Ball of Paxton & Ball, "How much trouble do ya want"??

[@cjschoolcraft2038]

Is there any chance you can show how to tune an up draft carburetor

[@ZippoVarga]

I've got over 1200 videos and tuning the updraft is among them. Simply go to my channel by clicking my user name, then search for Updraft. Cheers! Zip~

[@cjschoolcraft2038]

I can't believe after my tractor sat for 5 years because it lost spark and I didn't have time to mess with it and all it was was dirty points..and they are on the outside under a little cover...it literally took me 2 minutes to clean the points and now shes running.....embarrassing

[@ZippoVarga]

@@cjschoolcraft2038 Nah.....If you didn't know, then you didn't know. You did find out though and I'm glad in the end you got the ole girl back up and running. I call that a win! Cheers! Zip~

[@tigmantom6989]

Zippo your little trick on the points works Awesome!! 👍 Used it today on my son's 725 that had been sitting in his neighbor's shed 7 yrs. Wish you could have seen the smile on my son's face. 😀👍

[@ZippoVarga]

That's Awesome Tom!!! I can just imagine! Zip~

[@skippyjones4195]

Hey 👋Zippo thank you for so much valuable information as always I really appreciate your time you Take Care....👍✌... O hey as for the Haters you forgot more than they will ever know hahaha

[@MrGoosePit]

You've made some valid points there Zip! Like button smashed.

[@ZippoVarga]

Thanks Goose! Zip~

[@jster1963]

You "tazed" yourself like I've done so many time;-) Great tip!

[@71_sears97]

I totally agree 100% on cleaning the points. I have yet to replace any of the points in my engines, if they are bad enough I will resurface them with a file and then fine sandpaper or emory cloth and even the slightly pitted points are still working just fine several years after cleaning them up.

[@ZippoVarga]

They're tough enough to handle cleanings for decades for sure. Can really save people a lot of $$ if they just clean them and make sure they are making good contact. When you see a physical spark at the points, that points to the condenser being faulty and should be replaced. Cheers Sears! Zip~

[@jamiecarbaugh]

I know this video is years old. But i have the same tractor and having trouble with it. For some reason when you hook the battery up, the tractor starts to turn over. New voltage regulator, new starter solenoid, and ive checked all the wires. Any tips?

[@ZippoVarga]

If I were a betting man I would turn my attention to the Regulator. To eliminate it from the equation temporarily, just disconnect the BAT wire (The wire going to the + side of the battery), then connect the battery cable to the battery and see if the tractor tries to start. If is doesn't try to start, then try the key switch to see that the solenoid is wired correctly. If the engine turns over as it should and stops turning over when you release the key, then your issue is with either the new regulator not being compatible with the Starter/Generator or you've got something wired incorrectly. I have an older video on the basic wiring (without starter solenoid but that doesn't matter) and it's located here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWG4lWakjNN6bJo Mimic the wiring I do in that video to see if your issue is resolved. If it isn't then you've definitely got the wrong regulator for the S/G. My email is in the description of this video if you have further problems. Zip~

[@jamiecarbaugh]

@@ZippoVarga update. It would try starting on its own but battery would die. Put cables on and it wouldnt do anything. Then when it was charged enough it would try starting on its own. I re adjusted the points and cleaned it. Then put a different regulator on and it works fine now.

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Good video, and getting shocked off of it - is sure enough proof , electricity is their. Cheers !

[@ZippoVarga]

Yep, I got bit lol. Sure fire way to know you've got spark but I usually let someone else hold the plug to watch them jump and cuss lmao. Cheers Ron! Zip~

[@auburnfolsom]

I like your method of putting a flame to the plug to scorch the carbon off. You have a good point about not getting down into the nooks & crannies with a wire brush / wheel. I always blow the plug off with 175 psi compressed air after wire wheeling / brushing. Good job Zippo !

[@lwoodt1]

Always try the basics first ...good one Zippo

[@ZippoVarga]

It works! And it's simple. Cheers Wood! Zip~

[@frankdeegan8974]

My Dad showed me, with a chainsaw out in the woods to clean a spark plug use two wood stick matches to heat the plug use a piece of rag and run it back and forth between the gap of the plug. This gave you two things one a clean dry plug and a warm plug and with a two cycle motor is very helpful starting a cold motor.

[@ZippoVarga]

That's an awesome field fix idea Frank! I'll keep that one in mind when I'm out felling trees. Cheers! Zip~

[@sic-n-tiredtired4273]

Hey Zippo hope all is well. you've answered a couple questions for me before that were spot on. I'm hoping you can answer another one. when I depress the lever to engage my mower belt the belt keeps popping off after like 2 minutes any suggestions on where the hell I should try to tighten maybe the spring on the lever ? or what else i might be able to do ? thanks ps its a 1963 64 Simplicity landlord

[@ZippoVarga]

I assume you're talking about the Deck belt and not the Mid PTO belt. The most common reason is it being improperly adjusted. I do have videos showing how to set the Mid PTO up so that it's properly tensioned to the Deck or Sicklebar Mower. Other causes can be worn bearings in the mid PTO pulley shaft and/or too much side to side play, or the center spindle on the mower deck being in need of repair. If the bearings are noisy on the deck, this too can cause multiple issues including but not limited to arbor damage at the point where the bearings inner race rides, spindle housing damage due to outer bearing race spinning due to bad bearing. I'd start with making sure the Mid PTO is properly adjusted and in good repair. There is a grease Zerk on the Mid PTO that often is massed by when servicing and performing preventative maintenance. Zip~

[@sic-n-tiredtired4273]

@@ZippoVarga great thanks so much Zippo. I'll try to find your video on KZbin for the adjustment not to computer savvy. But I will definitely check everything you said. without you and your videos about this damn thing I'd be freaking lost thanks again.

[@tjzzworld9101]

What do you call the little thing that makes contact wit the points I need to replace the whole thing completely but I don't wanna swap the motor jus to fix it

[@Antiquetractorsetc]

Exactly. Just clean with sandpaper and a little carburetor cleaner and re gap. I just clean plugs with carburetor cleaner. I always do it.

[@simplicity7006]

I do the same thing with the points

[@Calebmcguckin]

Do you have any videos on how to install new points and condenser. On a 76 10hp briggs. And how can I bypass the key switch. The tractor is is Allis chalmers b210

[@bigcountree7121]

Thank you so much for this. I just purchase a simplicity landlord 2012. I just can't figure out the gap of the spark plug cause one wasn't in it. Do you by any chance can help me figure it out. I thought it was.030

[@heliarche]

They say to just chuck the points in the trash eh? Huh... I changed the points on the Scout 15-ish years ago, last cleaned and adjusted them about 7 years ago. Kept the old ones as they still looked good for backup once I cleaned them up. I must be doing this wrong! Why no wire wheel on a spark plug?

[@ZippoVarga]

Most who are amateur wrench turners will opt to replace the points and condenser when they don't have spark. That's usually the first thing they do, so this video was aimed more at the newbies. As for a wire wheel, Well, I answered a few comments on it and mentioned it in this mornings email to you, so no sense in rehashing that on here. Stay Strong Brother and tell Dad Zippo says Hey! Zip~

[@greenmule4634]

Good one Zip, Mule

[@peacetoearth]

How many horsepower are these exact engines? And if you can provide engine model number please

[@randypham8710]

Hi Zippo I have a simplicity 3212V, it was runing fine, I just Jack the front up and put a deck in then now it has no spark, i put in new point and coil but still has no spark, do you have any idea, thanks

[@BrucesShop]

You can polish varnish with 600. I clean a lot of plugs Especially the older ones as they are heavier and made better. I do use a wire wheel but then clean with carb spray and a piece of emery cloth before inserting them. It works for me.

[@ZippoVarga]

The only reason I say to not use a wire wheel or brush is the chance the carbon and potentially a piece of the wire brush can get deep into the insulator and cause a hot spot that can shorten the life of the plug. I use a wire wheel to clean the threads, but it's a torch for me to burn off the carbon. Like the saying goes...there's 100 ways to skin a cat. Cheers my Northern Friend! Zip~

[@danielwatford7522]

Zippo I have a 3212h it has the old round coil on it . What is the best way to replace it .

[@n1uk214]

Just picked one of these up. Pretty good shape. Bevel gear box is great. Rear endseems solid. Problem i have is im not getting positive tram. Like the belts slipping i think. Have you got a drive belt number?

[@ZippoVarga]

The Web Sight Simpletractors.com has a chart for the belt numbers. That belt will set you back about $70, but it should cure the slipping issue. Once the belts are worn to a certain point, there's no amount of adjustment that will cure slipping. Contact me on my Facebook Page Zippo Varga, and I'll send you a manual on your tractor and one for your engine. Be sure to give me the engine numbers located on the blower housing just under the air filter so I can send you the right manual. Cheers! Zip~

[@n1uk214]

I tried using that site, have a hard time navigatingnit. How tight should that belt be. Im starting to think its another problem. I get better gear engagment and more positive tram at a lower idle

[@alssmallengines]

Great tip Zip! My Dad used his Zippo lighter to burn carbon off of plugs. As I'm sure you know the old Zippo lighters gave off a higher flame than the newer ones do.

[@straightpipec6099]

Nice one Zippo. Is a wire wheel really bad to use for cleaning plugs?

[@ZippoVarga]

Where a wire brush can cause an issue is loosing a bristle in the insulator, out of sight, then have it drop into the combustion chamber. Also, throwing the carbon etc around the base of the insulator can cause a premature failure to the plug. I know I said never use a wire brush, but if that's all you have, just be careful to clean the plug thoroughly after. Cheers Sir Pipe! Zip~

[@lj6495]

I’m working on a AC B112 with a 12 hp B&S. I have no spark. Cleaned the points with brake cleaner today, nothing. Will try the sand paper tomorrow. What are the chances of the coil needing to be replaced? I’m new to this and don’t really want this engine to be my first tear down

[@ZippoVarga]

Well Jeff, there's really nothing to be overly concerned with. To check and see if the Magneto is ok, order a Nova II Ignition module. It's the cheapest investment and it eliminated points and condenser. If the coil is ok, you'll have spark. If no spark after installing the Nova II, then unfortunately you have only two options. Take the engine out and replace the coil (which is not that bad of a job) or add a battery coil ignition with the points. The Nova II doesn't work with the Battery Ignition Coil. Stick with it! Cheers! Zip~

[@StrikerxCast]

How do I get to the points? I need to file mine as well

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

I've cleaned a lot of points in my day and it's always worked for me.... I will admit I use a wire brush on plugs though

[@ZippoVarga]

All that really happens is the carbon etc and possibly a wire bristle will get lodged deep into the insulator and make a hot spot that'll shorten the life of the plug. If you're careful and clean the plug thoroughly after the fact, you should have good luck. To me, it's just easier to torch the tips. I do use a wire wheel to clean the threads though. Cheers my Friend! Zip~

[@seanh6578]

Hey Zippo! First and foremost, sorry for the absence/silence, life got in the way, things have been too busy here. More to follow in emails. 😉 But back to the point, I can't imagine why someone would say not to clean points, I have for decades with fine paper/cloth, or even a points file. The one thing I would add for a comment, if one is burning up points, the condenser likely needs a replacement, but otherwise points shouldn't be looked at as a throw away item, they are a maintenance item. They need to be inspected, if dirty, clean them, if they are severely pitted, then replace them. No point in throwing away good money for a few minutes work... I never thought about the propane torch to clean the plug though, it makes sense, cook off the extra fuel and oil that has gummed up the plug that normal combustion couldn't burn off. We all know a good running engine the plug will be light brown and dusty. I always previously cleaned plugs with 600 gritt and a lot of carb cleaner after, and worried if any of the aluminum oxide remained... I like it, I have a new method to try. ☺️ Sean

[@ZippoVarga]

Sean, Life happens! I know! And no worries...I figured you got busy with life my Friend. Looking forward to your note! Zip~

[@MissouriOldTimer]

I guess I've been doin it wrong for 50 years, I have always used a wire brush on spark plugs, for cars and small engines and never hurt one so far.

[@ZippoVarga]

The only reason I say to shy away from wire wheels to clean the plugs is most people won't thoroughly clean the insulator after which is where a lot of the carbon and possibly a strand of the wire wheel can get embedded into the insulator and cause premature failure due to over heating. Otherwise, if you're careful, like I know you are, a wire brush works fine so long as the plug is cleaned well after. Great to hear from you MOT! Zip~

[@skyview13]

hi Zippo how do you set the points on one of these i have the same unit with no spark ?

[@skyview13]

Thanks for any help....

[@RuinedCameraMan]

i have a 1962 wards garden mark it is the same as a simplicity and this will be helpful if this happens

[@MegaOldschool61]

nothing wrong with cleaning im all for it , if i have to i will replace it. good job.

[@MoMoneyMeric518]

My landlord 101 has the same engine but no spark I tried this and it didn't work

[@ZippoVarga]

This can mean a number of other things are suspect dragon. Bad Coil. Bad points and condenser or one or the other. Can you give me some history on the engine or is it new to you and you're trying to get it started for the first time. Zip~

[@Roboticdoughbull3k]

I just got a first for me, Simplicity 728 a couple weeks ago. I just started getting into it and your videos will all be helpful I'm sure. I know I'm going to need a good replacement steering wheel from somewhere eventually, any affordable suggestions? Thank you

[@mikeg3757]

voiceing an opinion does not make a hater hello

[@ZippoVarga]

That's so true Mike! There's just a lot of keyboard kings and queens out there who just like to disagree lol. Cheers and Hello! Zip~

[@crazyasugrandma9267]

Female that only knows basic maintenance. I have a 1962 garden mark Squire. Where the hell is the point so that I can clean it.

[@willyck948]

some hp tips for you. I love points ignition because they're so easy to start by hand at low speed and timing can be adjusted for earlier spark for more torque. I have many engines still equipped with factory points that still work great that start easier than most of my magnito equipped engines. I can start my tractor vac unit tecumseh engine without getting off the tractor👍

[@ZippoVarga]

I tend to agree. Points are very reliable if properly maintained. All my tractors fire right up and I do the same thing... close the gap .02 from the factory .020 and that seems to be the sweet spot. Cheers Willy! And thanks for the info! Zip~

[@thewarden6910]

👍🏻

[@bamamowersgarage8937]

Hay zippo brother cooter from alabama he's south of me

[@ZippoVarga]

Cooter is gathering up plates for the wall. So far, he's got 8!! At this rate, the East wall will be covered in no time! I hope the family is doing as well as can be expected Brother! Cheers! Zip~