ignition spacing

[crazyoldtractor]

Does the spacing of the igntion from the flywheel have any effect on the timing of the engine or the strength of the spark?

 

[ILENGINE]

In a nut shell yes. But the difference in timing is very minicule. the air gap can effect the spark strength more so. Ran across a engine that said the gap was .008-.016 but found that it would only run and start correctly when set at .010 .

 

[crazyoldtractor]

If i don't have something to measure the gap with, what is a common household item I could use that is about .010?

 

[ILENGINE]

match book cover is about the right thickness. the engine I discussed was a mtd (chineses engine) push mower with electric start that wouldn't start with electric but would with the rope. Briggs calls for a gap of .010-.014. tecumseh is .0125

 

[benski]

Yep, a matchbook or business card is kind of a generally accepted feeler gauge.:biggrin: They don't rust, and you can usually find one quickly, unlike all the other measuring devices in my shop...:ashamed: