"Charlieb" wrote:

Hello Charlieb

C While it was still running i tried to make sure the spark
C plug cap was securely on and, you guessed it, I got a nice
C electric shock! Ouch

Hurts, don't it?

C Anyway I wondered if this was a problem with the machine or
C whether it was simply a very stupid part to go near whilst
C running.

The latter. The fact it's running means it's working ok. You can get
replacement caps that help, but IME no rubber cap will stop the shock.

Just don't touch it while the thing is running....

C I carried on cutting and then I started to get small
C electric shocks through the right hand rubber handle (on the
C bull bar things), and I can only assume it was on that side
C because the engine cutoff swithch (and therefore electrics)
C is on that side.

That could be a fault of the power circuit. Unlikely to be connected
to the above as if the plug was shorting out, it wouldn't work or
would miss appallingly.

C Conclusion - there is clearly something wrong/shorting/etc
C but I have no idea how the electrics/mechanics of these
C machines work (though I'm guessing they must be pretty
C simple).
C Can anyone enlighten me on how to fix this problem.

Check wires. Chances are one of them has had the insulated melted near
to the cooling fins of the pot, or has rubbed/shorted elsewhere.
Buggers to replace though, as they normally run from the sealed
generator. Easiest solution is decent insulation tape.

C PS I don't know if it is related but it did seem to tend to
C cut out after starting the moment I gave it any revs

Could be, could be... But could equally be a fuel problem.

--
Simon Avery, Dartmoor, UK Ý http://www.digdilem.org/