Why disconnect spark plug when servicing?

7394 said:
So far (knock on wood) I still have my (original equipment) 10 fingers, but have burnt them, broke them & smashed them & had bad cuts on them.. I've gotten kinda used to em in 60 years, so trying to keep em around. :thumbsup:
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Very good reason to take the 1/2 second in your busy day to remove the plug wire.
 
The new B & S ready start engines and the DOV engines start so easy that safety has to be a concern.

The Snapper pedestrian mowers brought out a few years ago had a wrong sized OPC cable and would not switch off which meant that it could start at any point.
We mannaged to start one with about 3-4 inches of rope.

Also when servicing an engine and you remove the oil then reomove the spark plug so it cant be started.
Iv heard so many cases of seized engines due to people not doing this.

If you come to an engine and the plug or lead is off then alarm bells ring so to check oil level and petrol level and not just try to start it.
 
For those still wondering why the concern picture the WWI aircraft starting procedure shown in films. Tractor hot, key left on, rotating blades under deck to remove...ouch. A 12V battery is a potential arc welder which can be seen once the terminal is accidentally grounded to sheet metal . Wrenches laying loose are bad for this. I think I have one with "weld" spatter on it.:confused2:
 
I read years ago that removing the plug wire warning was brought about because of a law suit against Huffman Mfg. Co. Look at most of the old Huffy lawnmowers and riders and if you tip the mower on it's end for servicing the blade etc. The spark plug most always pointed down and apparently made the mower easier to start accidentally. I think there is a CPSC regulation about the location of the sparkplug on mowers? Still a good idea to disconnect though!
 
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