How to Overhaul Your Lawnmower's Ignition Coil
Overhauling your lawnmower's ignition coil can breathe new life into an old mower and save you money on costly repairs. As the owner of a small engine repair shop for over 20 years, I've rebuilt my fair share of ignition coils and would love to share my knowledge with you.
Why You May Need to Overhaul Your Ignition Coil
The ignition coil is an essential component in your lawnmower's ignition system. It acts as an electrical transformer that converts the low voltage from the magneto into thousands of volts needed to jump the spark plug gap to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder.
Here are some common signs that your ignition coil needs to be overhauled:
- Difficult starting - If your mower is increasingly hard to start or fails to start at all, a worn out ignition coil could be the culprit.
- Misfiring - If the engine misses or cuts out intermittently, the ignition coil may be breaking down and failing to deliver consistent spark.
- Loss of power - As the ignition coil deteriorates, your mower may begin to lack its normal power.
- Visible damage - Cracked or broken coil casing can indicate internal damage to the coil windings.
Replacing the coil is an option, but a professional overhaul is cheaper and gives you a chance to identify other potential issues during disassembly.
How to Overhaul Your Lawnmower's Ignition Coil
Overhauling the ignition coil involves disassembling it, checking and replacing its internal components, then reassembling the coil. Here is the process in detail:
Supplies Needed
You'll need a few essential supplies:
- New condenser - The condenser helps regulate spark strength. Better to replace it.
- Contact cleaning spray - To clean dirty contact points inside the coil.
- Emery cloth - To clean corrosion on the contact points.
- Multimeter - For testing the primary and secondary windings.
- Wiring diagram - To ensure proper re-wiring of the coil when reassembling.
Step 1 - Disassemble the Coil
- Remove the coil mounting screws and disconnect the spark plug wire.
- Carefully separate the coil casings, making note of where all wires connect.
- Remove the condenser - It will likely need replacing.
Step 2 - Clean and Test Components
- Spray down the contact points with contact cleaner spray.
- Gently clean with emery cloth to remove corrosion.
- Use the multimeter to test the primary and secondary windings for continuity. Any open windings require a new coil.
Step 3 - Replace Condenser
- Install a new condenser of the proper microfarad rating.
Step 4 - Reassemble and Install
- Reassemble the coil casings carefully.
- Refer to the wiring diagram to reconnect all coil wiring.
- Secure the coil back to the engine using mounting screws.
- Reattach the spark plug wire.
With your newly overhauled ignition coil installed, your lawnmower should start and run like new again! Let me know if you need any other small engine repair tips. Overhauling coils has been my bread and butter for over 20 years.
Finding a Professional Coil Overhaul
If tackling the ignition coil overhaul seems too daunting, you can always turn to a professional small engine repair shop. Here are some tips for finding a qualified technician:
- Search for shops specializing in small engine or lawnmower repair. They will have the necessary expertise compared to general mechanics.
- Look for experienced technicians. Ask about their background overhauling ignition components specifically.
- Ask shops if they offer free diagnostic testing. This allows them to inspect the coil and troubleshoot other potential issues.
- Get cost estimates before any work. The coil overhaul alone may range from $40-$90 depending on your area.
- Inquire about warranties. Many shops offer warranties on ignition coil overhauls and parts ranging from 90 days to a year.
With the right technician, you can feel confident they'll get your lawnmower's coil sparking like new again at a reasonable price. Proper maintenance like regular coil overhauls will extend the usable life of your mower for years to come.