Inherited a Gamefisher 5hp and it won't start

Where do I start if the engine is not getting any spark? I tried a new spark plug, but that didn't seem to work. Not sure where to go from here.

Hal

Re: Inherited a Gamefisher 5hp and it won't start

Please tell us the model number.These were built by a number of builders.
older motors have points and a coil under the flywheel.

Re: Inherited a Gamefisher 5hp and it won't start

The model # is 225.587500

Thanks for any advice

Re: Inherited a Gamefisher 5hp and it won't start

Well I just went through this on an old elgin, and pulling the flywheel/stator/magneto was no fun, I would start by getting some penetrating oil like CRCs Knock er Loose or PB blaster on the flywheel to engine connection and let it soak, I ended up having to use heat as well and it was close when it finally came loose, perhaps yours will be easier. The up side is that with points cleaning and a new condensor, it runs like new. Good luck.

Re: Inherited a Gamefisher 5hp and it won't start

The systems pretty simple. A magnet in the flywheel passes the coil, makes an electrical pulse that charges the condenser (capacitor), and then the points switch on a cuircuit between the condenser and the spark plug, making a spark. Thats pretty much it.

Get a harmonic balancer puller (autozone might loan you one for free, otherwise they are under 20 bucks) to pull your flywheel off with. Texwing is right, they can be tight to get off. A good penetrating oil or spray will sure help. Dont hammer on it, it'll break the aluminum. Be very careful if you use heat to loosen it, a torch can ruin aluminum if used wrong. Unless youve got a really stubborn one the penetrating oil and harmonic balancer puller should work fine.

Once the flywheel is off look at your points, condenser, and wire connections. If they are corroded anywhere that'll be your problem. Make sure to look at the points, the contact area between the metal points often corrodes and can kill your spark. Try using some fine sandpaper to clean between the points. If they had any buildup, white crust, burnt spots, anything like that, then that was your problem.

If all the wires are good and the connections and points contacts are cleaned off it will run - Unless you have a bad part.

The only thing that can go bad with such a simple motor is the coil or condenser. So if you still have no spark theres nothing to do but go to a lawnmower repair shop and get a new one. You may also be able to find them online. They arent too expensive at all when you find one.

Good Luck!


Also, sand the magnets in the flywheel if they are corroded at all, and the coil surface where they meet.