"mm" wrote in message
...
On 1 Nov 2005 14:10:23 -0800, wrote:

I have a 14.5 hp Tecumseh engine on my riding lawn mower -- but no
spark at the plug. After tremendous amounts of troubleshooting I blame
the ignition module. Note: I've disconnected the grounding cutoff
wire, and there are no other wires on the module excpet for the spark
plug wire. My problem: with a spark tester connected to the spark plug
there is only a dim flash of light. However, when I connect the spark
tester directly to motor ground, there is a bright flash! I've changed
the plugs out several times. This sounds to me like the module is
producing a diminished output which is strong enough to light the spark
tester but not enough to fire across the spark plug. BUT....... I had
thought these modules were either totally GOOD or totally BAD, period.
Please, any comments? Am I overlooking something? Note: the magnets
on the flywheel seem quite strong. The air gap is perfect. HELP!!
Thanks.

Have you tried using a spark plug as a tester? Unscrew it from the
negine, connect it back to the wire, and have someone hold the metal
threaded part against the block, or use a wire with aligator clips on
each end.

IIUC, it's harder for the spark to jump the gap when the gas in the
cylinder is compressed, but not that much harder.

I don't trust your tester. How much did it cost, and what is the
essence of it,. I have an incredibly cheap one, with a flashlight
bulb or neon light in it, I forget. I think a test with the spark
plug is a better test.

I have 7 broken mowers this year, and two seem to need magneto coils.
But I'm not sure. When I had no mower, I would have eagerly spent the
money, but 2 or the 5 now work. Still, I can't throw the others away,
even though the original owners did. (They look new)

(I've given two to a repairman nearby.)


mm...........

Yes, I have used several spark plugs to test the module -- and thanks for
mentioning it. There is no bright spark at all when grounding the bottom of
the plug (sometimes I get a faint flash). The spark plug tester cost me
over $18, but as you say it is not as good as the plug method. After all
the helpful responses I'm convinced it's the ignition module. In fact, I've
paid for and ordered it, and I can't get my money back if it's NOT the
problem. But it can be nothing else!

Thank you all!!

EW

Note: I've removed my original messages from the Gmail newsgroup, since
Gmail insisted on using my email address as my "nickname." Grrrrrrrr......
Here comes the SPAM!