5.5 HP ignition module magneto internal short to ground?

[Speed Racer]

I have a chipper shredder with a 5.5 HP Briggs and Stratton Model 120312 OHV horizontal shaft engine that will not produce a spark.

I removed the stop switch wire from the kill switch terminal on the ignition module magneto. This terminal shows continuity to ground, which does not sound correct (it would seem to accomplish the same purpose as closing the stop swtich and prevent the ignition module from producing voltage across the high tension lead to the spark plug?)

[I disconnected the high tension lead to the spark plug and checked the resistance between it and the laminated metal of the ignition module and it shows 4,700 ohms (reportedly a good reading).]

What would cause the ignition module to show a short to ground on the stop switch terminal?
Is this common?
Do I just need to replace the ignition module?

 

[Rivets]

If the terminal which you are pointing to is shorted to ground, your coil is bad and should be replaced. Also, resistance on the secondary winding should be in the 10-15K range.