Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)/12hp B&S won't start

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Expert: Eric A. Jones - 7/4/2009


Question
I have a B&S 12HP model 281702 type 0020-01 code 8802 1811 on a Snapper 281011BE(engine is a replacement) engine started, when I engaged the blade or put it in gear it stalled. It did it 3 times, on the third try the spark plug wire smoked and burned. after that of course it would not start. I replaced the armature-magneto(adjusted to .010) and still it won't start. It has a spark, and when cranking a few seconds it backfires through the muffler. I also put a teaspoon of gas in the spark plug hole a few times and tried it,  same results

Answer
Was the electrical connections on the old engine the same as the new engine?

Have you checked the flywheel key to see if it is sheared?  Larger engines rarely shear flywheel keys but I always check.

Did you just install the replacements engine?

Let me know if the key is sheared?
Eric

Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)

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Eric A. Jones

Expertise

Lawnmower Repair . Certified Master Service Technician from B&S. Have 13 years experience on B&S, Lawn Chief, Weed Eater, Echo, Peerless, Wheel Horse, Snapper, Atlas, MTD, McCulloch, Homelite and many other numerous brands. Specialize in electrical repair.

Experience

Born and raised in the midwest. Started tinkering with engines when I was about 14 on my Suzuki RM-80. I began lawn mower repair at a small hardware store. I knew absolutely nothing. I read lots of repair manuals and met an older fellow who taught me many lessons. I continued working on small engines through high school and paid my way through college working on mowers at the same hardware store. Decided to get away from the midwest and mower repair so I joined the Air Force. I repaired air traffic control electronic equipment and ended up in Hawaii where I got a part time job at Small Engine Clinic. I gained a lot of experience from the Small Engine Clinic and had a blast repairing small engines. I then took the Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician test and earned my MST. I then traveled to Wisconsin where I attended the factory update training seminar and received formal training. I received a scholarship from the Air Force and am currently pursuing another degree.

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