Doesnt want to start ...

Dutchman

Well-known Member

I have a Case 444 w/a 14hp Kohler {sp} engine ... it's been running good ... I decided to put it in the shop { shop never gets below 40 } it's been setting in a shed outside ..
It stared up and got it in the shop .... shut it off , later was going to move it .. it wouldn't start ... today I check for spark .. good white/blue spark with the plug out and grounded .. so I put a little gas in the plug hole and put the plug in .. it wouldn't even sputter ... nothing ..

QUESTION : can a plug NOT FIRE in the hole under some compression ?? I sure am stump ...

ANY and ALL ADVICE will be GREATLY APPREACATED ................ mark
 
First thing I would do is put a new plug in it and see what happens. If that doesn't help then check that it is getting gas. Pour just bit in the carb and see if it runs.
 
I agree try a plug, I have seen them in the past few years be running fine shut them off and they will spark out of the engine but wont run this was even on a twin cylinder
cnt
 
Yes take the old plug and go to a car part place the carrys NGK plugs. Best money you can spend. Then follow the other advice ..
 
Remove the plug,put your thumb over plug hole & crank eng/have someone crank eng & check for compression,a common problem on old K series eng when they get tired/burn oil is carbon buildup on valve stems causeing same stick open or not allowing valve(s) to close all the way when eng cold,if you have compression then replace plug & see if eng runs.

If eng still doesen't run other possible causes of no run condition are carbon chunks between valve/valve seat & valve(s)not closeing,leaking head gasket,you can sometimes pickup on this if you have oil on head/block especially in area around exhaust valve.
 

Yes, a plug can fire outside the cylinder and not fire inside under compression. The compression/fuel air mix increases the voltage required to jump the gap. In addition to the other things posted you might try the following: With the plug installed, turn out the shop lights and crank the engine. Observe the top of the coil and the spark plug wire for any sparks which jump to ground. Now remove the plug and allow it to lay on the top of the engine. Make sure the plug is away from the spark hole to prevent the ignition of any fuel/air mixture. Repeat the test, if the spark to ground is not present it can indicate broken down insulation of the coil wires etc.

I found faulty coils on two Lawnboy mowers with the above test.
 
If you don't have a different plug handy and can't get one easily take the old one and heat the business end red hot with a propane torch. As soon as possible while it's still hot put it in the engine and try starting it. This is my dad's old trick and it has worked for me many times.
 

THANKS to ALL that respond ... I will get a new plug Monday , and do some other checking like what was mention ...

THANKS Again ............ mark

Ps ... this is a great site , for getting answer's ...
 

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