Gavely won't run

Gri5th · Jul 12, 2009

I have an L model gravey with electric start. I am having a problem starting it. It will hit every now and then but will only run for a second. I have taken the spark plug out and I don't have a spark every time, it has strong spark when it hits. It will spark 5 or 6 times in a row then won't hit for 10 to 15 times. I just had new points and a condencer put on it. I just picked it up 2 days ago. After I picked it up it ran fine until I went to start it today.

El Toro · Jul 12, 2009

Does it have a mag? I would install the old condenser to see if that's the problem. Make sure the points are clean. Take a cotton swab dipped in alcohol & clean them & make sure they're gapped correctly. Hal

Gri5th · Jul 12, 2009

(quoted from post at 12:41:06 07/12/09) Does it have a mag? I would install the old condenser to see if that's the problem. Make sure the points are clean. Take a cotton swab dipped in alcohol & clean them & make sure they're gapped correctly. Hal

ow can I tell if it has a mag?

t1 · Jul 13, 2009

All L model Gravelys have a mag. its where the points, condensor and ignition coil are located, and is coupled to the exhaust valve cam shaft. your sparkplug wire comes from it to the sparkplug.

Another common problem with these that can cause a situation similar to yours, is the impulse mechanism that helps create the spark at cranking speeds sometimes stick, and not work properly. That is located inside the mag, i had someone with more experieince with magnetos rebuild mine when I started having troubles with it.

manuals and additional info can be found here:
Gravely manuals and info

rhouston · Jul 13, 2009

I vote for the impulse not working right. Had the same issue with a friends L with electic start.

Gri5th · Jul 13, 2009

(quoted from post at 04:56:15 07/13/09) I vote for the impulse not working right. Had the same issue with a friends L with electic start.

hanks I put new points in another mag from another gravely I have and it ran for about a half an hour then quit again. Now I'm back to square one, but thanks. All is appreciated.

Trailer Trash Tractors · Jul 13, 2009

The Wico mag " caps " are bakelite, and prone to cracking, ditto for cap gasket. The recent rains don"t help.

Clean points with fine sandpaper, and non residue contact cleaner, any oil on points ruins them pronto, a little vapor will do it.

A condenser replacement isn"t a bad idea, those mags are super tough, and not trouble prone once sorted out.

Gri5th · Jul 14, 2009

Thanks guys I believe I have solved the mistery. It was the kill switch. I unhooked it to take the mag off AGIAN and remebered some saying something about it so I tried it with the wire off and it started and is running as of for now (1 day). THANKS

Gavely won't run

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