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Are Lawn Mower Ignition Coils Interchangeable? Find Out Here!

Written by William
Last Updated on April 12, 2022

Interchangeable Lawn Mower Ignition Coils

You may have a lawnmower that needs a new ignition coil. You may also have an extra ignition coil lying around your garage. Are the coils interchangeable? The short answer is yes; ignition coils are interchangeable.

However, there are some things you need to take into consideration before making the switch.

A lawn mower usually has a carburettor, an ignition coil, and a distributor.

The carburettor mixes fuel, air, and spark to create a powerful explosion that ignites the mixture and starts the engine.

The ignition coil is a transformer that helps the carburettor work as efficiently. The ignition coil contains a lot of electrical energy that, when applied to the carburettor, helps the fuel mix properly.

The distributor controls the spark timing to allow for even firing of the engine.

This article will go over the things you need to know before replacing your lawn mower’s ignition coil.

Luckily, ignition coils are easy to replace and can usually be done with just a few simple tools. Check the Specifications Before purchasing a replacement ignition coil, always check the specifications to make sure it is compatible with your lawn mower.

Are lawn mower coils interchangeable?

The short answer is yes. They are interchangeable. However, there are a few things you should consider before doing so.

  • First off, not all lawn mowers use the same ignition system. Some lawn mowers use magneto systems, while others use capacitor start systems. Magnetos require different sized coils than capacitors do.
  • Second, not all lawn mower manufacturers specify which ignition coil goes on their lawn mowers. If you don’t know what type of ignition coil your lawn mower uses, you’ll need to look at the manufacturer’s manual or contact them directly.
  • Third, if you’re changing from one lawn mower brand to another, you might want to buy a new ignition coil instead of trying to swap out the old one.

If you’re looking to change brands, you’ll probably find more information about swapping ignition coils in our guide to buying a new lawn mower.

What does a coil do in a lawn mower?

It provides an electrical path between the primary and secondary winding of the ignition system.

The coil is a large, heavy object with multiple wires woven into a cotton-like material. These coils are made in the same factory that makes your lawn mower.

When the coil receives power, it creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field causes electrons to flow through the coil. When the coil loses power, the magnetic field collapses and the electrons stop flowing.

What causes a small engine coil to go bad?

There are several reasons why a lawn mower’s ignition system could fail. One common reason is poor gas quality. Poor gas quality means that the gasoline isn’t able to burn completely. It leaves behind unburned hydrocarbons that collect inside the combustion chamber.

These unburned hydrocarbons eventually build up until they reach a certain point where they cause the engine to misfire.

Another common problem is a dirty spark plug. Dirty plugs prevent the spark from reaching the cylinder walls.

A third potential issue is a loose connection between the battery and the ignition system. Loose connections can lead to corrosion and other problems.

The engine coil or starter coil is an essential component of your lawnmower. It is what transfers voltage from the battery to the spark plug, thus causing the spark that starts the mower.

A worn or damaged coil could cause your lawnmower to run poorly, fail to start, or even stall. In some cases, a blown motor may also occur.

My lawnmower coil may be bad. How can I tell?

By checking its condition, you can tell if your lawnmower’s coil is bad. A good way to do this is to look at the spark plug wires. The coil is likely bad if you see any signs of damage or wear, such as fraying.

Another thing you should check is whether the spark plug is sparking when you turn the key. If it’s not, then the coil is most likely bad.

If you have no idea how to test the coil, you can call the lawnmower manufacturer for assistance. They will be able to tell you if the coil needs replacing.

Can you test a lawnmower coil?

Yes, you can test a lawnmower’s coil with a multimeter. You can use a digital multimeter (DMM) to measure resistance.

To test a lawnmower, you first need to remove the spark plug wires. Then, attach a voltmeter to the positive terminal of the battery. Next, connect the negative terminal of the voltmeter to the ground post on the lawnmower.

Next, place the voltmeter probe tip against the coil’s centre tap. The centre tap is located near the middle of the coil.

Next, press down firmly on the trigger switch to start the lawnmower. Once the lawnmower begins running, slowly move the meter probes around the coil.

Once you’ve tested all four corners of the coil, note which corner has the lowest reading, the corner with the highest resistance.

This method works well because the coil’s resistance varies depending on the amount of current being drawn. As a result, you’ll get a more accurate measurement by testing the coil. 

A working ignition coil will read between 2.5 5 k ohms. Set the positive lead in the position where the spark plug would normally be inserted. Place it across the coil. Observe the reading on the meter. 

How is a bad ignition coil replaced?

Replacing a lawnmower’s ignition coil is fairly simple. Your local dealer or service shop should be able to help you out.

First, disconnect the spark plug wire. This allows you to access the coil without removing the spark plug.

Next, remove the old coil. Be careful not to touch the exposed terminals of the coil. Doing so could short them together and cause a fire hazard.

After removing the old coil, install the new one. Make sure that the new coil fits snugly into the slot.

Now, reconnect the spark plug wire. Turn the key to make sure that the lawnmower starts.

When you’re done, replace the cover over the coils.

Last words

Your lawn mower ignition coils are important components of your lawnmower. It’s best to keep an eye on them, especially if they show signs of wear and tear.

You can also test a lawnmower using a multimeter. In addition, you can replace the ignition coil yourself.

 

About the author
Written by William
I have always had a passion for gardening and that with a background in selling lawn mowers for the past 10 years, I have become very knowledgeable in all types of gardening tools. The site TheBestMowers.co.uk was created as a hub where I can review and write about all of the tips around gardening.
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