I have a B&S Vanguard 16 HP 2 cylinder that had the same problem of "no fire". I built a harness as outlined by Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS) with 3 amp diodes. It starts fine, but will not kill when the common gound is grounded.

I used an ohm meter and tested with the ground on the common ground. I get a reading of 517 on the short leg coil and 465 on the coil with the longer leg.

When I reverse the polarity, the circuit is open on both legs.

I think that the circuit is built as was suggested. Obviously, it is not otherwise it should kill.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

Did you try replacing the coil.