No Kohler spark...EVERYTHING replaced - HELP!

[Mike VS]

Hi everybody...I'm new here with a problem that is driving me over the edge. I have a Scag 48" zero turn that is not running. It has always been finicky but now has died with no spark. The engine is an older Kohler magnum 18hp twin cylinder with coil-magneto / flywheel ignition. First I checked the coil with a meter across both both secondary wires and found it completely open. New coil installed...It has a very weak spark that will not bridge any spark plugs (only when grounding very near do you sometimes see a spark). I then figured that the imposible happened and the flywheel magnet has weekened. I bought a used flywheel and still, no change.
Now when I check the new coil across both leads my ohmeter reads 14.52 on the 20K scale. The manual says it should be between 22,000 and 42,000 ohms. Is this new coil bad? I have completely disconnected the kill wire so its not the problem. I even checked to make sure there was no voltage coming to the kill wire fearing that it has shorted out the coil earlier. Anybody have any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[SPYDERLK]

Welcome! --14.52K may indicate they used a larger wire as a response to other failures of the secondary like yours. Does it have points or a solid state switch on the primary side? Are they clean? What about the condenser.

 

[sox3]

Where did you disconnect the kill wire at? Should be removed from the coil itself. Kohler recomends to use a spark tester, never a plug touching a ground. When you check for voltage in the Kill wire, make sure you teat it in the on position and the cranking position.

 

[murphy1244]

:welcome: to TBN from Ohio.sounds like a bad coil

 

[Mike VS]

Yes, I pulled the wire at the coil itself (white wire). I also tested the wire for voltage in all switch positions as well as the starter mode. As for the tester, you are right but I don't have one yet.

 

[Mike VS]

No other ignition components at all...It is all encased in the coil/ magneto. No points, cd pick ups or condensers.

 

[SPYDERLK]

No other ignition components at all...It is all encased in the coil/ magneto. No points, cd pick ups or condensers.

OK. What about the magnet to coil assembly spacing? Im guessing theres a spec on that clearance. May be critical for good crisp switching of the primary.
larry

 

[Midniteoyl]

hate to ask, but hows your battery?

 

[Mike VS]

It is set at .010" factory spec.

 

[Mike VS]

Its is almost new and spins great...It does not matter though, the spark does not originate from it at all.