OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Victa Walk-Behind Rotary Mowers Victa Twin Not Starting

Didn't actually put any fuel in it this time, just Aerostart to see if it would fire (but nothing). Thats a good idea using a drill to turn it over. Will have to try that one next time. I guess just take the cover off and use a suitably sized socket on the flywheel nut.
Cheers.

Tried it again this time with fuel and starter fluid. Took out the kill switch wire just in case this was causing problems. Hooked up a power drill and turned it over many times. Just about burnt the drill out. Absolutely nothing from the mower. Checked spark while turning it over - fairly weak and intermittent. Tried everything and really at a loss to know what to do next?

mate i told you i was rough but. i recon you need the seal in the hole that the kill wires go into. may have something to do with vacume or pressure or what not. i took mine out and filled it with melted plastic. so i can only shut it off by turning fuel off, i dont recon a hole in a plastic carby is good, make sure the small plastic grommet type thing that goes on the center kill wire is in the carby all the way before you put the wire in then the boot then the other wire. simplze.
hope this is hepful

Thanks seanw, didn't actually pull it right out, just enough to make sure it wasn't going to cause a problem. The end of it was still in the rubber boot to seal it. Guess I didn't make that clear in my last post.
Cheers.

Sorry if this appears to have changed: I had to change computers and edit to complete this post. It appeared unfinished and unauthorised and I also lost several chunks (and therefore thoughts). Firefox on Android seems as bad as Firefox on PC is good - Patrick

Hi,
just my 2� worth, trying to be a very insipid shadow of Grumpy. Especially since I'm unfamiliar with the mower.

Old italian car jokes aside, for the basic ingredients for combustion I think of FIAT: Fuel, Ignition, Air and Timing. Yes, you also need pressure/compression for an engine, and the timing goes with the ignition.

Here goes, in no particular order:

Air:
- Just to be sure, the choke and throttle are working properly? No air=no go.
- Also, the exhaust isn't blocked?

Compression:
Assumed OK

Fuel:
Given you're getting absolutely nothing in terms of firing and you've tried various inflammable products at various times in various combinations, I think it's most likely in the ignition.

Timing and Ignition:
- Check the spark with one plug wire only: Leave plugs in, disconnect both plug leads and cable tie one where it can't short to ground. Use the other to evaluate the spark. If it's not strong and consistent you have an ignition issue, it will only be weaker or non-existent in the chamber with a compressed air/fuel charge.

- Given the timing's (supposedly) fixed ignition should seem OK but there are some things that can throw it off:
1) Is the condensor OK (partially hidden in one photo). A failed condensor will mean a weak/intermittent or no spark (had it stop a car dead once). The points may also be abnormally worn or burnt.
2) Is the points closure spring strong? If not, the points may not close and/or follow the cam profile.
3) Double check you have the right points and spark plug gaps (not swapped by mistake)

Hope this helps,

if everything else turns out fine I would unfortunately suspect the coil.

Pete

Thanks for above help. It could be the condenser which is the problem. Would anyone know of a suitable replacement part? May be worth a try.
Cheers and thanks in advance.