I recently inherited an old Speedex 1140 from my grandmother (originally purchased by my grandfather). The tractor is very used, but before it left her house it was still running strong. Now that it's here, however, it won't start. It cranks fine, but it isn't getting any spark.
I don't know much about these old machines, or simple lawn equipment in general. Is this called a magneto?
The plug wire is sealed into it, so it must be replaced as a unit. The smaller red and white wires that come out of it no longer have any insulation, so I assume they were grounding out and preventing the plug from getting spark. Where can I buy a replacement of this unit?
Also, how do I install it? The wires that come out of this unit (now broken) disappear down a little tunnel behind the flywheel assembly. The wires won't budge and I can't get the flywheel assembly off to see where they lead.
Also, I'm not certain I have the ignition switched wired correctly. In the photo below, I have the positive battery cable and a red wire that I assume once led to the magneto wired to the location labeled "battery." The other black cable (which leads to the starter) is wired to the location labeled "ignition." The white wire, which curiously runs to what looks like carburetor linkage on the front of the engine, is wired to the location labeled "accessory." This is a universal ignition switch purchased from AutoZone; the original was very corroded and missing its keys.
Below is another photo of the ignition wiring. Notice the two red wires and connector hanging down from within the engine area. Even with the magneto removed, these wires won't budge, so I don't know what else they are connected to. Also, on the other end of the connector, the red wire snakes it way back to the ignition switch, but the white wire is capped off. To what should this white wire be connected?
Not that it matters, but do I have the battery mounted in the correct location? This was the only space flat and large enough to place it. I grounded it to the frame and bound it to the seat post with a bungee cord.
Where can I find a replacement air filter? This shape/size element is nowhere to be found at my local Lowes / Home Depot / Tractor Supply / etc.
Lastly, are there brand new Briggs & Stratton engines that will fit this old tractor? It doesn't have to look exactly like the original engine so long as it mounts correctly and can be used with the original drive pulleys. When I have more time, I would consider tearing this tractor down and rebuilding it. An engine with a warranty may be a better route than overhauling the original.
I don't know much about these old machines, or simple lawn equipment in general. Is this called a magneto?
The plug wire is sealed into it, so it must be replaced as a unit. The smaller red and white wires that come out of it no longer have any insulation, so I assume they were grounding out and preventing the plug from getting spark. Where can I buy a replacement of this unit?
Also, how do I install it? The wires that come out of this unit (now broken) disappear down a little tunnel behind the flywheel assembly. The wires won't budge and I can't get the flywheel assembly off to see where they lead.
Also, I'm not certain I have the ignition switched wired correctly. In the photo below, I have the positive battery cable and a red wire that I assume once led to the magneto wired to the location labeled "battery." The other black cable (which leads to the starter) is wired to the location labeled "ignition." The white wire, which curiously runs to what looks like carburetor linkage on the front of the engine, is wired to the location labeled "accessory." This is a universal ignition switch purchased from AutoZone; the original was very corroded and missing its keys.
Below is another photo of the ignition wiring. Notice the two red wires and connector hanging down from within the engine area. Even with the magneto removed, these wires won't budge, so I don't know what else they are connected to. Also, on the other end of the connector, the red wire snakes it way back to the ignition switch, but the white wire is capped off. To what should this white wire be connected?
Not that it matters, but do I have the battery mounted in the correct location? This was the only space flat and large enough to place it. I grounded it to the frame and bound it to the seat post with a bungee cord.
Where can I find a replacement air filter? This shape/size element is nowhere to be found at my local Lowes / Home Depot / Tractor Supply / etc.
Lastly, are there brand new Briggs & Stratton engines that will fit this old tractor? It doesn't have to look exactly like the original engine so long as it mounts correctly and can be used with the original drive pulleys. When I have more time, I would consider tearing this tractor down and rebuilding it. An engine with a warranty may be a better route than overhauling the original.