Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): no spark in Toro Mower, personal pace, assembly drawings

Question
I have a Toro Personal Pace mower Model#20017. There is no spark. Changed the plug, but still nothing. It was working fine one day and the next it wouldn't start. Any advise would be helpful. Thanks, Mark

Answer
Hello Mark:


>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, https://lookup3.toro.com/partdex/default.cfm and Select Start Parts Viewer. Now Enter the Model Numbers (20017) and Click Search. Now Select View Assembly Drawings for your Year Model.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers LV195-362003B (this is your Engine Model Number according to Toro Site). Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing.
>>I Used the Breakdown at the Outdoor Distributors Site.
>>From your Description it may be the Shut Off Terminal (#191)at the Control Bracket (S.E. Brake Bracket #191) or a Bad Solid State Ign Module/Coil (#100).
>>Follow the Engine Stop/Brake Cable to the S.E. Brake Bracket and Locate the Shut Off Terminal.
>>The Shut Off Terminal has a Single Wire from it to the Ign Coil which Grounds the Ign Coil when you Release the Engine Stop/Brake Lever.
>>Make Sure the Engine Stop/Brake Cable is Pulling the Metal Stop Tab Away from the Engine Stop Terminal so the Coil is Not Grounded.
>>If the Engine Stop/Brake Cable and Terminal are Operating Correctly, then
>>Check the Ign Coil.
>>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.**  
>>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.
>>I Hope You and Yours had a Happy Holiday Weekend and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 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. Comments and Ratings are
Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John