Mid 60's Troy-Bilt tiller w/Tecumseh 7hp

jbmcdm · 06-18-2009, 09:00 AM

I am having some problems with this engine. I have replaced the spark plug, and points. After replacement of parts the engine started fine and ran for approx. 30 min. started back-firing and shut down. It would not start up until the next day, but would only run for a few minutes. The spark from the plug is white. Also when starting the engine it blows back out of the carburetor.

Thanks in advance.
Jason

**Basementgeek** · 06-19-2009, 09:30 PM

Hi and welcome to the forum

White spark I believe indicates a weak spark. I assume that you replaced the condenser also. Is the coil outside the flywheel or under it?

BG

k2skier · 06-20-2009, 09:55 PM

A 40+ year old Tecumseh will need a complete overhaul, at minimum a valve job. The only real test for spark is to see if it jumps at least 3/16" (preferably 1/4") open air gap, jumping the plug electrodes tells nothing of strength. Those old Tecumseh's are so finicky (IE pos) I won't even work on one without the customer paying in advance, they're that bad...

jbmcdm · 06-23-2009, 08:43 AM

I removed the flywheel and discovered that the condenser wire was not installed correctly and became frayed. Replaced with new condenser re-installed all previously removed parts and runs great (started on 3rd pull) other than I need to fine tune the carburetor (will not run with air filter on). It seems to be running strong.
The coil is on the inside of the flywheel.
And its not a 7hp it’s a 6hp.

**Basementgeek** · 06-23-2009, 09:26 AM

Glad you got it running and thanks for getting back to us.

On the coil, don't move it as it will effect the timing.

BG

06-18-2009, 09:00 AM	#1 (permalink)
jbmcdm Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2 OS: xp	Mid 60's Troy-Bilt tiller w/Tecumseh 7hp I am having some problems with this engine. I have replaced the spark plug, and points. After replacement of parts the engine started fine and ran for approx. 30 min. started back-firing and shut down. It would not start up until the next day, but would only run for a few minutes. The spark from the plug is white. Also when starting the engine it blows back out of the carburetor. Thanks in advance. Jason

06-19-2009, 09:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
Basementgeek Moderator, Home Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Central Ohio, USA Posts: 1,487 OS: XP Pro SP2/Vista Ultimate SP2 Blog Entries: 3	Re: Mid 60's Troy-Bilt tiller w/Tecumseh 7hp Hi and welcome to the forum White spark I believe indicates a weak spark. I assume that you replaced the condenser also. Is the coil outside the flywheel or under it? BG __________________ Donating to the forum keeps TSF free for all. Proud member of ASAP

06-20-2009, 09:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
k2skier Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 313 OS: XP Home-SP3 My System	Re: Mid 60's Troy-Bilt tiller w/Tecumseh 7hp A 40+ year old Tecumseh will need a complete overhaul, at minimum a valve job. The only real test for spark is to see if it jumps at least 3/16" (preferably 1/4") open air gap, jumping the plug electrodes tells nothing of strength. Those old Tecumseh's are so finicky (IE pos) I won't even work on one without the customer paying in advance, they're that bad...

06-23-2009, 08:43 AM	#4 (permalink)
jbmcdm Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2 OS: xp	Re: Mid 60's Troy-Bilt tiller w/Tecumseh 7hp I removed the flywheel and discovered that the condenser wire was not installed correctly and became frayed. Replaced with new condenser re-installed all previously removed parts and runs great (started on 3rd pull) other than I need to fine tune the carburetor (will not run with air filter on). It seems to be running strong. The coil is on the inside of the flywheel. And its not a 7hp it’s a 6hp.

06-23-2009, 09:26 AM	#5 (permalink)
Basementgeek Moderator, Home Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Central Ohio, USA Posts: 1,487 OS: XP Pro SP2/Vista Ultimate SP2 Blog Entries: 3	Re: Mid 60's Troy-Bilt tiller w/Tecumseh 7hp Glad you got it running and thanks for getting back to us. On the coil, don't move it as it will effect the timing. BG __________________ Donating to the forum keeps TSF free for all. Proud member of ASAP