I tried yet another new sparkplug...and nothing. I actually pulled out the switch this time (duh) and tested continuity, and the switch IS working. Back to square one. A short somewhere? Could it be the coil not sending enough current to the spark plug? I know very little about cranking electricity--Shouldn't I get an amp reading on the multi-meter when I pull the cord?
If you are getting spark to the end of the plug lead the unit should fire, unless you have a weak spark. Sometimes, especially with 2-stroke engines, the contact surfaces between the coil pack and the engine block can be contaminated with oil over time. I usually remove the coil and with fine sandpaper scuff up the contact surfaces. This ensures good contact between the two surfaces. Re-install the coil set the proper air gap and try starting it.
'Shouldn't I get an amp reading on the multi-meter when I pull the cord?' ...I do a quick test for spark by grounding the spark plug to the engine block with the ignition switch on. I look for a bright bluish spark. If the spark looks weak I'll troubleshoot it by changing the plug then move onto the coil / engine ground contact as explained above.
hope this helps.
Jake
That's my story...and I'm stickin' to it..
