Check out some similar questions!

gullicph · Aug 28, 2009, 01:09 PM

I need help trouble shooting little or no spark. I have installed a new coil, wire and plug. I have a smalllllll spark when I touce the wire to the engine. I do not have spark on the plug when installed on the wire and is toucing the engine. Why? Could the magnet be weak?:mad:

crigby · Aug 29, 2009, 08:19 AM

Hi,
Does your machine use a trigger; silver rectangular piece near the dipstick with white wires going to it. It fails more often than the coil and can take the coil out with it.
Peace,
Clarke

gullicph · Aug 29, 2009, 09:09 AM

Clarke,
Yes it does. It is a Kawaski 420V engine. I have the kill wire removed from the coil during all my testing. Would this still be the problem? I used two sheets of paper to gap the new coil. Do I need less or more gap?

crigby · Aug 30, 2009, 12:24 PM

Hi,
You must unplug the kill wire down near the trigger or it will not be in the circuit; should be a 2-prong plug down there.
A business card is often described as a suitable air gap gauge.
Peace,
Clarke

gullicph · Aug 30, 2009, 03:34 PM

Clarke,
I tried disconnecting those wires, but I still have no spark across the end of the plug. I have a spark with the wire when I touch it to the engine but not after I hook it to the (2) new plugs?? I'm lost... The spark plug is wet with fuel... when installed in the engine.

crigby · Aug 30, 2009, 06:58 PM

Hi,
Maybe I was unclear! The wire going to the trigger must be hooked since it causes the fire. The wire to the wiring harness must be disconnected.
Does it backfire; sign of a bad trigger?
Peace,
Clarke

gullicph · Aug 30, 2009, 07:20 PM

Clarke,
Sorry, this is getting confusing. My question is why do I have spark on the end of the spark plug wire and then when I put the plug on the wire I do not? Am I making myself clear? No it doesn't backfire, I wish it would. I have no spark on the plug...

crigby · Aug 31, 2009, 06:37 AM

Hi,
If you have access to a multimeter, check the continuity through the plug cap. Should be 5 kilohms on most. It will say it on the side and is the hard composite material.
Additionalty, it could be a shorted plug. Measure continuity from post to threaded body. Should be none.
Peace,
Clarke

gullicph · Aug 31, 2009, 08:31 AM

Clarke,
I checked the plug and it has about 5k. I also checked the plug cap and it also has resistance. With that much resistance in the cap and plug I'm not getting any out at the end of the plug. I have a new coil. How do I increase the output? Would a weak magnet decrease my output? I have also tried removing the JohnDeere spark plug cap (which has reisistance through it) and used a straight metal one. (no resistance) I get good spark with it but as I said before none across the end of the plug. Its like it doesn't have enough power to jump the gap. I even tried narrowing the gap. No luck.

crigby · Aug 31, 2009, 10:03 AM

Hi,
The cap should have resistance. Sounds like the plug is bad.
Peace,
Clarke

gullicph · Sep 3, 2009, 12:12 PM

Clarke,
Follow up on JD 175. I check out the plugs and compared with a new JD plug. The champion had a lot more reisitance, and one was open. I finally had JD pick up the mower and it was the trigger. ($69.00) More than the a new coil.
Running good now... Thanks for your help...