Lawn mower Ignition Coil - This is what FAILS in them! (by Craig Kirkman)

* VISUALLY EXPLAINED

The mystery behind why a lawnmower won't start or refuses to stay running can often be traced back to its electrical system, specifically the ignition coil pack. In this context, we'll focus on the intricacies of a 4 Stroke Engine from a lawnmower to shed light on the factors contributing to ignition coil failure.

Understanding Ignition Coils: To comprehend why an ignition coil fails, we must first understand its role. The ignition coil is a critical component responsible for transforming low-voltage electrical power, typically from the lawnmower's battery, into a high-voltage spark. This spark is what ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine's combustion chamber, driving the engine's operation.

Signs of Failure: When a lawnmower won't start or remains running erratically, it's often a sign of ignition coil trouble. But what exactly goes wrong within the coil pack to cause such issues? This is where our exploration begins.

Inside the Ignition Coil: In this unique video, we provide viewers with an inside look at the ignition coil sparking system, with a focus on a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower ignition induction coil. While specific brands may differ slightly, the underlying principles remain largely consistent across various coil packs.

Areas Prone to Damage: The video delves into the key areas within the ignition coil pack that are susceptible to damage. By breaking it down into basic details, viewers gain insights into what causes these components to fail and the consequences thereof.

Principles Applicable Everywhere: The knowledge shared in this video isn't limited to a particular type of lawnmower. Whether you use a riding lawnmower, a push mower, a petrol lawnmower, or even an electric lawnmower, the principles discussed remain relevant. Moreover, it applies to both 4 Stroke Engines and 2 Stroke Engines, ensuring a broad spectrum of lawnmower owners can benefit.

Preventing Future Issues: Armed with an understanding of why ignition coils fail, viewers can take proactive steps to prevent similar issues in the future. Proper maintenance, timely replacements, and choosing quality components can significantly extend the life of the ignition coil and keep the lawnmower running smoothly.

In essence, this video provides a valuable educational resource for lawnmower owners and small engine enthusiasts alike. It demystifies the enigma of ignition coil failures and equips viewers with the knowledge needed to diagnose and address these issues effectively. Ultimately, a well-maintained ignition coil ensures your lawnmower starts reliably and stays running, making lawn care a breeze.

This not only applies to lawnmowers, but in many cases, ignition coils in general.

How to Test a an Ignition Coil Video: Coming Soon!

Many thanks indeed

Craig Kirkman (Creator and owner of The Repair Specialist Channel)

#LawnmowerIssues
#IgnitionCoilFailure
#SmallEngineProblems
#4StrokeEngineInsights
#LawnmowerMaintenance
#EngineElectricalSystem
#DIYRepairs
#SparkPlugTroubles
#EnginePerformance
#IgnitionSystemExplained
#PreventiveMaintenance
#LawnmowerCare
#EngineDiagnosis
#QualityComponents
#SmallEngineEnthusiasts
#LawnmowerSolutions
#4StrokeEngineKnowledge
#EngineTroubleshooting
#LawnmowerStartIssues
#SparkPlugGap

[markchaffee]

Mr. Kirkman, I am the fascinated owner of a John Deere Lawn Tractor approaching 40 yrs old. It looks its age, and years of keeping beautiful lawns. It was my father's, that he shipped to me when he went to live in the sands of Arizona. Each Spring, within the first couple mowings...I find myself flummoxed by something new that goes wrong as the mower goes through its aging process. This spring, it has been an electrical problem...and it seems to all now be pointing at the coil...after tests on ignition module, battery, and other wiring checks. I was looking for the part and stumbled on your site sharing videos of numerous things. I use to be a high school teacher, and then a college prof for 11 years. I know deeply the value of instructors who transport students from the shores of underlying curiosity...the gleaming shores of 'WOW'! I've rebuilt engines of all kinds...because it's something you do in the countryside...cheaper...and enabling some control over a world that wants to fall apart. I've rebuilt mowers, cars, tractors, combines...and each engine has parts that are like black boxes to me. They are 'parts' that I needed to understand their role...more than how they worked. Coils...have always been in the category of 'role'...having no clue what coil was 'doing'. I understood how starters work...but coils were almost literally...'black boxes'. And then this morning...stumpling on your video above...you made clear to me what was happening in the black box...and how. You do amazing illustration work...in a comprehensive and continuously visualizing manner that was so wonderful! Great teachers...are rare. You...are a great teacher! What an absolute delight is this video! I'm going to send it to a whole slew of friends just to experience the shore of 'WOW' that you make so accessible in your effort to illuminate. I'm editing a book currently that I've been working on for 4.5 years that is focused on illuminating the nature of human suffering and why we're so capable of killing each others kids so that a few of us might have 'more'. I'm focused on tearing apart the 'black box' of human failure to care effectively for one another...so that we might approach tomorrow differently. I'm tearing it all down to the 'wire', the 'insulation', the wear and tear and overheating and so on...to make our lives more visible that we might 'operate'...more effectively, efficiently...quieter. Knowing what I'm trying to map out to accomplish for my readers...what you accomplish in your videos is a beautiful job of educating a person at the level of the problems one is encountering. Such a wonderful job you do! Thanks for making me have a huge grin as I learned of what's in...one more black box! mark

[adnacraigo]

You may have been in the small engine business for 25 years but you sound as if you would have been a great school teacher or laboratory technician. I worked on communications circuits for 31 years and your videos are spot on. I hope that more people begin watching your channel.

[michaellogue]

This is by far the best explanation of a coil on the internet.Thank you for taking the time to teach us.

[johnsurges]

I am a science teacher and I cannot tell you how informative this video was. Excellent. This is real-life science in action. Thank you!

[williamhinton]

I spent 30 years in the navy and commercial nuclear instrumentation field as an electronics technician, reactor operator and as an instructor. Your instruction is one of the best theory instruction I have had the pleasure to view. We done! Thank you.

[stefangr.]

I am a professional in Internal Combustion Engines and can say that this is a very professionally made and explained video so that even non-professionals watching it would become professionals. Keep up the good work.

[larryjones]

I’ve been working on small engines for 55 years. I’m still amazed that someone figured this out.

[williamwaters]

The most detailed explanation of a coil that I ever experienced. It is amazing how infrequently these coils fail. I have a thirty year old lawn mower and I never replaced the coil.

[jpol]

I don't care what you work on as far as gas engines Every single mechanic out there should watch this video! Many think a plug... Plug And coil are readily interchangable parts.... Wrong! This video is the most educational and well presented video I've ever seen about ignition systems with spark plugs and coils. Thank you for putting it together I know I did learned something and I'm not afraid to admit Because it's something I can take with me to my grave and also use to increase my diagnostic abilities by double digits, when it comes down to ignition problems! That is a huge benefit over someone who doesn't watch this presentation. Great job. Thank you!

[jerrykeith]

“Good follow up video”…After 40 plus years with John Deere and 4 year Apprenticeship program, I still picked up some good information!!!

[afzaalkhan.m]

Absolutely Brilliant. Concise and so clearly narrated for all sections of coil in a composed way. Very best tutorial on engine coils .

[carltrowbridge]

Craig...your video on "small engine ign coils" is the most comprehensive and precise information on this topic that i have found ANYWHERE on the internet! your explanations of ..how it works...and why its not?..along with the excellent illustrations/graphics and crystal clear audio has answered questions that i have been searching out for weeks...thank you so very much! CT Denver Colorado USA

[mrc]

🎉- I feel like I just went through a class of coil 101! 👍🏻 your explanations (to a shade tree mechanic) are definitely easy to follow and using the illustrations along are HUGE for some of us visual learners out here. Huge thank you! I always looked at those huge chunks of coiled wiring with mystery- at least now I have some better understanding of how and what and why they are important and the absolute extreme care needed to have one stay working. Thanks for this video.

[blueplasma]

Heryaa is a very beneficial explanation! There is a condition called "aftermath heating" when you shut off an engine and the temperature rises a bit more than where it was when the engine is initially shut off. Some people can argue what part of the spark plug is negative and which is positive. Aggressively bending the HT wire excessively and repeatedly will break down the carbon powder wire core.
A proper, strong spark is blue, a poor, insufficient spark is white and thin. Have (one) a nice day. LoL

[davesipsy]

Superb! Your ability to break down complex information into easily comprehended concepts is world class. Thank you sir!

[scottfirman]

90% of the heat damaged coil is caused by an engine that is caked in dirt, grease, oil and grass or sawdust. Your key word was" fan cooled". I have gotten riding lawn mowers in with so much of a build up of dirt and grease, the engine was constantly shutting down. Push mowers and chain saws are victims of this issue. I always clean equipment I get in to repair before I even think about fixing it. Great video. This is basic stuff I learned MANY years ago.

[billcallahan]

Here's something interesting for you. I fly Paramotors with 15hp at 9, 000rpm tops, called a Top 80, made in Austria I think. Wouldn't start one day. Instead of my usual of tearing everything apart & finding nothing, I sat back & did some deep thinking.

For the past week, we'd had cold, rain, fog, high humidity etc. Hmm? I smoke cigars, each one takes 25 minutes. Heat gun! I laid it near the coil & primary wire on low heat. Lit up my cigar, 25 minutes later, ohms checked perfectly at 10, 250 ohms! Cranked on first pull! Sometimes it pays to just Stop & Think! Great show you got! Steve at Steve's Small Engine Repair too!..that wasn't his idea but I told him about it too..

[stuungar]

Brilliant tutorial as usual, thanks for the indept analysis. I never considered the resistance of spark plug type / gap / HT as a factor. Makes perfect sense now. Thanks 😊

[terrymcdole]

Another simple explanation for a key component of the combustion cycle of a small engine. Great video.

[akrm]

Wow, just wow. No question sir.
And most surprisingly the video was posted ( the notification bell is On) at the time I'm looking for a solution for my bike jerks then stops after it gets heated and starts smoothly when it cools down 👌.
Very informative.
THANKS A LOT