Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda v-twin missing, hustler zero turn mower, loose power

Question
I have a Honda 18 hp v-twin on my Hustler zero turn mower. Most of the time it works great but occasionally it will backfire very "evenly" and then significantly loose power. The last time it did this I ran it for a few more minutes and then shut it off to see if maybe a spark plug had came loose. That wasn't the case but while checking I did note that one overhead valve cover was significantly cooler to the touch than the other. I'm obviously only firing on one cylinder so I checked for spark on that plug wire and I have it there but it looks weak. Where do I go from here? Thanks in advance for any help you can give,
Rich L.

Answer
I'm wondering if you store this unit where it might be infiltrated by rodents. Usually if you lose spark, it's gone, not weak. I would remove the flywheel cover and inspect the plug wire all the way to the coil, if you find no pinched or chewed on spots, check the gap between the coil and magnet on the flywheel, it should be .010". If neither of these help, try removing the coil and clean where it contacts the mounts on the engine, if it isn't making good contact, it can stop producing spark.