I checked the coil. I replaced the plug connector just in case that had a bad connection. I removed the ground wire, neither made any difference. I suppose it's time to replace the coil and see if that is the problem. I am confused about which coil I need to get, there are two listed for the FC540V engine.
Kawasaki part #21121-2069 which is John Deere part number AM109258,
Description: Ignition coil for use on single cylinder engines. The models it will fit is 260 265 325 with a FC540V AS15 engine, F525 with serial number above 007892, F710 with a FC540V engine type AS12, 38" commercial mower, 48 and 54" commercial mower with 17hp engine AS11 only and a model LX186 tractor.
and/or
Kawasaki part #21121-2085 which is John Deere part number AM121810,
Description: Ignition Coil that fits John Deere 265, GT262, GT275, with engine numbers of FC420V GS00, HS00, JS00, KS00, DS15, ES15, and FS15, F710 with engine numbers of FC420V DS12 ES12, 325 except engine number AS15, GS75, and HD75 with 17hp engines, and 48" and 54" commercial walk behinds with 17hp engines with DS11, ES11 and FS11 engines.
Neither of these say they are compatible with the FC540V-DS15, the first one just says it's compatible with the AS15 and the second one says it's compatible with the 325 engine except AS15, GS75 and HD75.
Based on this I am assuming I need the second one, AM121810 and of course I can't find this one under $95 and these are non returnable so I want to make absolutely sure I'm ordering the right one. I'm really going to be hating life if I shuck out a bill for that coil and that's not the problem.