oran p218 is shutting down when hot

[JerryK]

I had a 20hp Onan do the same thing...ended up being the electronic module behind the flywheel that fires the coil.

 

[Wayne_H]

So JerryK here unfortunately is right on track, assuming you hae a P218G with the electronic ignition. That is what the later models 318's have. My 318 had the exact same problem.

Before wasting money, remember you only need three things to make the engine fire
1) Spark
2) Compression
3) Fuel

When it stops running see if it is getting a spark. If you have no spark, go ahead and waste some $$ on the new coil and condensor, but the bottom line is that the plastic sensor that sits on the engine block behind the flywheel gets tired and fails when hot... That little white thing produces the correct timing and voltage for the coil that fires off the spark plugs.

While it seems like a big effort, I could have your engine out in 30 minutes and the flywheel off in another ten. The entire project is no more than a three hour effort even if you have not done it before. The only slight trick is making a puller to get the flywheel off. And don't put oil or grease on the tapered crankshaft prior to putting the flywheel back on or it won't seat correctly.

Hope this helps.

Wayne

 

[barndoor11]

You are right I replaced the ignition coil under the flywheel and problem solved
I sure thank you for your help. 316 is up and running again.
sure missed it.

 

[beenthere]

barndoor11
That was quick. :drink:

Any hints to offer others on the replacement?

 

[patmac469]

had the exact problem with my 318 and had to replace the stater coil it was weak and when it got hot it would shut down

 

[barndoor11]

The John deere dealer told me that if you test the two wires going to the ignition coil
with a ohm meter when it runs you have a pulsing and when it will not start there is nothing. that is how to test if the ignition coil works.
there was no spark when it would not start.

 

[Wayne_H]

I did not test the failure mode on mine, I suppose I should have. It is a simple system, the flywheel has a fixed magnet it it, and when it passes past the white box that contains a coil of wire it generates a pulse. That low voltage pulse goes to the coil, making spark for your plugs. I don't know why it would quit when hot then work fine when cold though, but it is a common problem. Too bad you have to remove the engine to get to it....

Wayne