Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro 38040 Snowblower, safety switches, spec numbers

Question
Hi John,
I saw a past thread about a toro snowblower 38040 not having spark. I am
having the same problem. The wire that runs to the mag from the
interlock on the auger control pulled out and I had to take the flywheel off
to expose where it attached. I saw a little tab which was missing a wire so I
reconnected it. THe problem is when i put it back together i get a spark
when I test the plug on the side of the block until I put the plug back in.
Then the spark stops and when I try and pull the plug and test again its
gone. So I took the flywheel off again to check everything. It all looked
good so put it all back together and the same thing happened again. Spark
at test until I try and start it up. I am totally lost. Can you help.  

Answer
Hello Kevin:

>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File I Made for Checking the Coil/Ign Coil/Magnetron/Armature on Small Engines. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>**To Check the Ign Coil; Remove the Spark Plug/s.
>>With a Good Plug, Wrap a Wire Around the Threads of the Plug and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block.
>>Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). The Wire that is Connected to the Coil/Ign Module from the Shut Off Switch needs to be Removed (unplugged) from the Coil/Ign Module.
>>Now Check for Spark at the Plug.
>>If Spark, then the Shut Off Switch or the Wire is Bad.
>>If Still No Spark, then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. If there are Safety Switches on this Unit and the Coil is Good; you Need to Check the Safety Switches for Being Bad and Check the Oil Guard Switch also.**  
>>Have you Replaced the Plug with a New One?
>>Sometimes a Spark Plug will Fire when Under Compression, but will Not Fire when Under Compression.
>>Send me the Make, Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you.
>>This Unit (engine) May have a Points and Condensor Set and the Condensor may be Bad and the Points and Condensor may Require Replacing.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. All Follow up Questions are Accepted at Any Time. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John