Speeco splitter starting question

[LittleLebowski]

I think that it's this one (it's my father's and he lives far away, trying to help him diagnose). Why would removing and reinstalling the spark plug fix starting problems?

 

[GVS]

Dosen't take very much to prevent a sparkplug from firing.Removing/reinstalling the plug could dislodge a piece of debris that was grounding it out.Reseating the plug wire might have helped.If just removing and reinstalling the plug fixed the problem,I'd be getting a new plug.

 

[Sandhill Crane]

If equipment is stored outside and sits unused for a period the metal contacts on the flywheel can rust from condensation. Kind of like letting a vehicle sit for a time, like my truck sitting in the winter, the brakes oxidize. Pull the flywheel cover and use a Scotch Bright pad to clean the magneto contacts on the flywheel. Fresh gas,new spark plug, check the oil level...