Repairs Bad coil? Craftsman riding mower with Briggs and Stratton engine

[Dave_S]

Lawn Tractor Model: 917270781
Engine Model: 42E707-2631-E1

I have a Craftsman Lawn Tractor with a 2 cylinder Briggs and Stratton engine. It turns over, but will not fire. I have no spark at the plugs. I am deducing that in order to kill the ignition, a ground is established via the kill wire to the coil. With the wire disconnected, I get a short to ground at the kill terminal on the coil. Does this mean the coil is bad? I'd just like a verification before spending $70.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[BlazNT]

Unplug wire from coil and try to start. If it starts then you have a switch not working.

 

[Dave_S]

I should have been more clear. With the wire disconnected, it still will not start. I am measuring that the lead built into the coil (with no wire attached) is shorted to ground. Does that mean the coil is bad?

 

[BlazNT]

Remove coil from mower. With omhs set to 20k red lead to metal in spark plug boot. Black lead to the part of coil that connects to engine. Need a reading of 2.5.to 5. Any thing different it needs replaced.

 

[Dave_S]

It measures open. I guess it's time for a new coil.

 

[motoman]

Reading the resistance of wiring in and out will not diagnose the electronic module. The module can not be checked with resistance and voltage readings because it is not a simple DC circuit. It is an electronic circuit. Checking spark at the plug is probably the best way. And cold response is not significant as failed transistors will often perform at cold and fail at hot. Search this forum. There is a ton on information on modules and testing.

 

[BlazNT]

Not checking module checking coil.

 

[motoman]

Blaz, OK sorry. That's what model numbers are for. motoman

 

[BlazNT]

Blaz, OK sorry. That's what model numbers are for. motoman

They sure do make it easier to help with.:smile: But how often do we really get them?:laughing:

 

[upupandaway]

It measures open. I guess it's time for a new coil.

Dave, do u still have the original coil?? Dont know if it requires diagnosis by official briggs repair place but i do recall solid state ignition comes with lifetime warranty for original owner.