Recent content by stoogr

Can't get my JD 170 to start. Pulled a plug and turned it over and can't see any discernible spark. I can get the cap off the distributor, but can't do anything with it because I can't see it without pulling the motor (stupid design). I'm thinking the cheapest and easiest place to start is by...

Thanks Mike. I was working on quite a slope when it started to smoke a little, intermittently. I decided to get out of there before it got worse, but as I was leaving the smoking increased significantly. It would run at an idle (still smoking) but as soon as I tried to give it any gas it would...

When I try to start my 170 all I get is a rattling from the solenoid. I pulled the screen off the motor and see that the starter gear is meshed with the fly wheel. My understanding of starters is that when you engage, the starter gear throws forward into the flywheel. I don't know why the gear...

I picked one up a few months ago to use for snow removal. Seems every time I use it I have to fix it. It is currently sitting in the bush, down a hill with no hope of recovery. If I can't get it running it will have to stay there. Anyone know anything about starters? When it died, it was blowing...