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View Full Version : My murray lawn tractor won't start and has no spark


Nickshowcase
Aug 22, 2013, 01:22 PM
Hi,
I have a 40" Murray with Briggs&Stratton engine. I've replaced gas, spark plug, gas filter and silonoid. Still no start. Also replaced 15amp fuse. Even disconnected battery cables and placed jumper cables to my car to mower(still no start). Mower cranks, but no start. Also checked for spark from plug wire last night... no spark. HELP
Than,
Nickks in advance for assist

crigby
Aug 23, 2013, 06:57 PM
Hi,
There should be a plug on the right near the dipstick that when unplugged, will isolate the engine from the frame. This will tell you whether the lack of fire is and engine problem or a wiring harness problem. My guess is you need a new armature.
Peace,
Clarke

Nickshowcase
Aug 24, 2013, 07:16 AM
Hi Clarke,
Thanks for info. I will check where you mentioned about a plug and see if its unplugged. Also, call me dumb :-} ,what's an armature and where would I find it
On mower?

Nick

crigby
Aug 24, 2013, 09:22 AM
Hi,
Armature is the term that Briggs now calls what used to be called the ignition coil. Coils technically do not exist anymore because the units have a spark advance system and other electronics built into them, as well as containing the coil. Other manufacturers may call them ignition modules, etc.
The plug I spoke of is an electrical connector; could be a round connector of a single wire which would be the ignition ground that is used to shut the engine off. Could be a rectangular connector that incorporates both the ignition ground and the charging system. With the first the key switch will no longer cut off the engine. With the latter you get the same thing and it will not charge the battery. One twist on the problem could be if the anti-backfire solenoid on the bottom of the carb is in the circuit which has to be supplied with 12V battery voltage to open it for the carb to function and the machine to run in the On position.
Peace,
Clarke

Nickshowcase
Sep 26, 2013, 06:08 AM
Hi,
Armature is the term that Briggs now calls what used to be called the ignition coil. Coils technically do not exist anymore because the units have a spark advance system and other electronics built into them, as well as containing the coil. Other manufacturers may call them ignition modules, etc.
The plug I spoke of is an electrical connector; could be a round connector of a single wire which would be the ignition ground that is used to shut the engine off. Could be a rectangular connector that incorporates both the ignition ground and the charging system. With the first the key switch will no longer cut off the engine. with the latter you get the same thing and it will not charge the battery. One twist on the problem could be if the anti-backfire solenoid on the bottom of the carb is in the circuit which has to be supplied with 12V battery voltage to open it for the carb to function and the machine to run in the On position.
Peace,
Clarke


Hello Clarke,
Yes I know its been awhile... sorry about that with work and all, plus waiting for Armature to arrive. Well is came, I hooked it up. Sadly same result, no start(Cranks... just won't turn over)? I've now replaced 15amp fuse, Armature, Solenoid, and fuel filter. Also flushed Gas system. Only thing to do now is(I GUESS), replace the anti-backfire solenoid and get a New Battery. Any feed-back is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Nick

crigby
Sep 27, 2013, 08:02 AM
Hi,
What do you mean by "won't turn over." Does it not pass the compression stroke? Not fire?
Peace,
Clarke

Nickshowcase
Oct 7, 2013, 06:28 AM
Hi,
What do you mean by "won't turn over." Does it not not pass the compression stroke? Not fire?
Peace,
Clarke

Hi Clarke,
It cranks when key is turned, however it won't start. Tried it again yesterday and no spark. Guy next store to me said there's another little Armature under the top
Of Mower(what turns on top)? Never did find a plug by dip stick? In any event, I get volt's from battery to solenoid (but nothing from solenoid to Armature/Plug?? Can't figure it out.
Once again my Thanks for any help.
Peace,
Nick

crigby
Oct 12, 2013, 05:41 PM
Hi,
The plug is likely white plastic and rectangular also near the starter, unless this is one of the older Walmart 14/40 with the opposed twins. In which case there is a screw post near and beside the air filter and unplugging the wire to that post isolates the engine to check for fire.
Peace,
Clarke

Nickshowcase
Oct 14, 2013, 06:03 AM
[QUOTE=crigby;3567973]Hi,
The plug is likely white plastic and rectangular also near the starter, unless this is one of the older Walmart 14/40 with the opposed twins. In which case there is a screw post near and beside the air filter and unplugging the wire to that post isolates the engine to check for fire.
Peace,
Clarke[/QUOTE

Clarke,
Thanks again for reply and the info given. I will let you know how it goes!(Hopefully this will do the trick)
Peace,
Nick

Nickshowcase
Oct 17, 2013, 07:36 AM
[QUOTE=crigby;3567973]Hi,
The plug is likely white plastic and rectangular also near the starter, unless this is one of the older Walmart 14/40 with the opposed twins. In which case there is a screw post near and beside the air filter and unplugging the wire to that post isolates the engine to check for fire.
Peace,
Clarke[/QUOTE

Clarke,
Thanks again for reply back and the info given. I will let you know how it goes!(Hopefully this will do the trick)
Peace,
Nick

Hi Clarke,
I checked every place you mentioned and don't see anything? Maybe this will help you to help me... Model # 21B8070296E105062ZA... Murray#405000X8E
And saids it's a 2005 model.
Again my sincere Thanks,
Nick

crigby
Oct 17, 2013, 10:25 AM
Hi,
If You do not have it, then your manual can be found here:
Murray Push Lawn Mower Instruction Book | ManualsOnline.com (http://lawnandgarden.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/murray/405000x8e.html?idRes=385612)
It could be that the ignition ground wire comes through a hole above the muffler and in that case would have a round barrel connector. There will be a tag rivetted to the top of the blower housing of the engine with Model, Type and Code etched into it. With those numbers, I can link you to the parts breakdown for the engine; the Murray manual says nothing but that it is a Briggs.
Peace,
Clarke

Nickshowcase
Oct 17, 2013, 10:59 AM
Hi,
If You do not have it, then your manual can be found here:
Murray Push Lawn Mower Instruction Book | ManualsOnline.com (http://lawnandgarden.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/murray/405000x8e.html?idRes=385612)
It could be that the ignition ground wire comes through a hole above the muffler and in that case would have a round barrel connector. There will be a tag rivetted to the top of the blower housing of the engine with Model, Type and Code etched into it. With those numbers, I can link you to the parts breakdown for the engine; the Murray manual says nothing but that it is a Briggs.
Peace,
Clarke

Hi Clarke,
This is the model number/vin etched on engine: Model # 21B8070296E105062ZA
( 21B807 ) I have Murray manual already-shows nothing as you state.
Thanks, Nick

crigby
Oct 17, 2013, 02:08 PM
Hi,
Well, The Briggs IPL shows a dual circuit alternator with a rectangular plug just for it(should be near the dipstick. There should be that round connector somewhere on the right side(often green, in this case.) At any rate the parts list can be downloaded at:
http://www.mymowerparts.com/pdf/Briggs-&-Stratton-Parts-Manuals-IPL/21B800-ms5879-1004.pdf
If nothing else you can simply remove the shrouds and unplug the ground at the armature itself to test it. The shrouds cool the engine by directing the air flow from the fan attached to the flywheel across the cylinder fins, but no harm will result from short operating times without them in place.
Peace,
Clarke