Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): HS40 no spark, jumper wire, safety switches

Question
QUESTION: I am not able to achieve any spark on my Tecumseh HS40 55440D snowblower engine.  I have a known good spark plug, magneto/points assembly (.020 at the points and .015 at the flywheel), and flywheel that was able to produce a spark on another similar engine (HS50, I think).  The obvious difference between the 2 engines is a lot of wiring for various engine cut-offs.  I've tried bypassing the cut-offs with no luck, but I'm not sure I'm doing it right.  What are your suggestions?

ANSWER: Hello James:

Are you Sure the Point Set Condenser is Good? Did you Set the Point Set Gap with the Point Set Plunger Fully Extended or the Cam Lobe At Full Height on the Point Set? To Check the Point Set and Coil; Disconnect the Shut Off Wire that Attaches to the Point Set or Coil. Check for Spark at the Plug. If the Plug Fires, then a Safety Switch is the Problem. If No Fire, then Usually the Point Set Contacts Require Polishing/Replacing or the Point Set Condenser is Bad. The Following is an Instruction File for the Safety Switch System. Any Input is Appreciated. The Color Code of the Wires May be Different than those I Use as a Reference in the Instruction File. **PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHECKING THE SAFETY SWITCHES IS JUST THAT!!! FOR CHECKING ONLY. I NEVER Suggest a Mower be Operated with a Safety Device or Switch Disconnected or Bypassed. Now. On Some Model Mowers you can Simply Unplug the Safety Switch from the Harness. On Other Models you have to Place a Jumper Wire Between the Harness Terminals (on the 4 Post Switch (Clutch/Brake) Jumper from Same Color Wire white to White First and then Check for Fire, Now Include the Black to Black Wires if No Fire. Check the Clutch/Brake and the Blade/PTO Safety Switches First. Check the Seat Safety Last. Usually the Seat Safety is Not in the System for Starting the Engine. Just to Ensure Someone is in the Seat when Engaging the Transaxle and/or Blades. Use a Paper Clip or a Short Wire to Make a Jumper.**  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 HS40-55440D. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick response, John.  The Point Set and the Condenser are new and fired as advertised on another engine.  Point gap was at fully extended position.  I disconnected the wire coming from the points that leads to the safety switch and tried both connecting it directly to ground, and leaving it disconnected.  Still no spark.  I know there has to be something I'm missing.  Is there something I'm doing that could make the condenser go bad?  Is there another way to check a condenser?  Thanks for your patience.

Answer
Hello Again James:

No Worries. I Learned a Long Time Ago, that you have to be Patient when Working on Lawn Equipment and ATVs. Did you Polish the Point Set Contacts before you Installed the Point Set? If No, then there May be a Film on the Contacts that is Not Allowing the Contacts to Touch and you will Not have Fire at the Plug. On this Type of Point Set you can Disconnect the Condenser from the Point Set and Check for Fire at the Plug. If No Fire and the Shut Off Wire is Disconnected and the Contacts have been Polished, then the Coil is Bad. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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