Distance between flywheel and solidstate ignition on OHV155 TECUMSEH mower engine

Here's a link on your timing problem. How to Set Timing on Tecumseh 6 5 HP Lawn Mower herte's another video to see. HOW TO Replace the Flywheel KEY on your Lawnmower with Tecumseh Engine fix...

The Toro 38080 was made from 1979 - 1993.

With it not producing a spark then you have an ignition system problem. Depending which Tecumseh HM80 engine setup you have you may have either an internal ignition system or external. By this I mean under the flywheel or external to the flywheel. There was also hybrid system that was both internal and external.

This engine could either points based system or a CDI all in one coil pack.

Now if it is an internal points systems it will be major an under taking for someone that never worked on one these engines as if you replace the points the ignition system must be re-timed. Note that where a few fix time setups. You might get lucky and it just dirty contacts which can cleaned without up setting the timing. To gain access to these points the flywheel must be removed.

Probably the best to do first is to download a copy of the service manual to see if this something that you can do or if you what to get a small engine mechanic that is experienced with Tecumseh repair to do.

Ignition system info starts on PDF page 67 (manual page 63) in the following manual. It will explain on how to test and repair the systems involved.

TECUMSEH-SERVICE--REPAIR-MANUAL-3HP-TO-11HP-4-CYCLE-L-HEAD-FLAT-HEAD-ENGINES-.pdf

Check the gap between the coil and the flywheel. You can fold a dollar bill over a few times (3 or 4 layers thick) , place it against the flywheel , **** the coil up to it , and then tighten down the coil. This will give you a good clearance between the coil and flywheel and promote good spark.

Essentially I am suggesting you use the folded dollar bill to set the coil to flywheel distance/gap.

If it still doesn't work, I am at a loss. Is this a multi cylinder engine ? If so , does it have points or electronic ignition ?

check the key on the flywheel also you can't run it without the blade

Most small engines use a flywheel with a magnet embedded in it and an ignition coil with a core that sits a few thousandths away from the flywheel. Ignition coils are common failures probably because they come from our wonderful Chinese friends. They have demolished all US manufacturers. If you replace the coil, use some gauge to measure the gap between coil core and the flywheel magnet surface before removing the old coil. Otherwise you may spend a little time using trial & error to get the engine running again.
If your engine is a Briggs and Stratton, you can find very complete maintenance downloadable information on their website. This will pertain to the engine only, not the mower.
Dunno about Tecumseh, haven't had much need for service info on those.

Had the same problem and it turned out to be a fried coil. You need to remove the engine top cowling to get to this. On mine, a mouse had built a nest all around my coil (Very common) and, come summer when I used the mower, it toasted the coil. Just a thought. Good luck!

if it is an older machine, yes, the points are underneath the flywheel---it can be removed without a puller---just a little patience will get it off

Just enough to guide the blade in place so the screw can be tightened to secure the blade. BUT - you might have sheared the flywheel key that times the flywheel and ignition system.

u should check the key way on the flywheel if there is a timing problem. if its broken replace it and be sure u tighten it well or will break again.

Does it have a Tecumseh engine? If so it sounds like a broken or bent flywheel key. It may be a flywheel key on any engine but the Tecumseh seems to break easier. That is not a bad thing because the reason they break is to reduce other, more expensive breakage in the engine. If you need help replacing it, write..Good luck...Lee