QuestionQUESTION: I have a Tecumseh TVT691 600811B Solid state ignition. NO spark.Approx 3 years old used about 30-35 times. Started and ran 15 secs. & died would not restart. Removed plug and placed on known ground cranked no spark either cylnder. Contacted Tecumseh rep tech & told me to disconnect white nylon plug to disable switches,PTO,Seat clutch, reverse etc. Crank no spark in the engine but if spark its in the mower switches.No spark. Replaced both coil packs( be advised they both tested the same as the old coil packs with analog resistance testing) I guess the old were good.No one could tell how to test other than hold to ground & crank. Mechanic suggested removing magneto & crank no spark. I removed the green kill wire from spade connector on both coils with & without no spark. Can you help me lost job & can't afford $400 or 500 bill. Everyone I know is lost about this did something fail or am I victim of sabotage?
ANSWER: Hello Ron:
Check the Engine Ground. Run a Ground Wire from the Engine to the Frame or the Ground Post of the Battery and Check for Fire. Sometimes Oil and Dirt gets Between the Engine and the Frame and the Engine Looses Ground. This Causes the Problem you Described. Have you Disconnected the Shut Off wire from the Coils and then Checked for Fire? Are the Flywheel Magnets Still Attached to the Flywheel? Recove the Coils and Turn them Over. Most Coils are Marked This Side Up/Out. Put the Marked Side Towards the Engine and Check for Spark. 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 (TVT691-600811B). 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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. Ratings and Comments are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The above remains the same. I took battery jumper cables connected to negative battery post and connected directly to metal shelf underneath flywheel. No spark, no start. Flywheel magnets in place and will draw large broadblade screw driver suspended between two fingers & blade dangling, magnet sucks screw driver 3/4 to 1 " distance to magnet strong draw. also, cleaned coil contact & ground points with non- metallic sand paper. Spark plug cleaned. Tested for resistance from tower of plug to rod tip on spark plug where spark normally occurs checked okay checked between tower of plug & plug threads no reisistance so, plug appears not to be going to ground. Tried cranking & checking for spark with green (kill) ground wires attached to coils and without, no spark either way. Also, checked new coil packs prior to installation for resitance & they checked identically to old resistance(coils) implying the old were good (coils). Cranked with white nylon connector apart and connected.Also, flywheel keyway intact so timing should not be a problem. I am just sick. I put a slow charge on the battery for about a hour or so.I understand the theory of no ground no spark because circuit not complete but what am I doing wrong? I picked up on your blessing and I also ask for Divine intervention and to open my prideful blinded eyes for a solution and I am hoping you may be the vehicle to enlighten me.My sanity, patience, money and reasoning has all but left me.Would any other information help you figure out the problem.Forgive us our sins and bless us with Your Grace.
Warmest Regards,
Ron
AnswerHello Again Ron:
The Design of a Coil and an Ign Coil are Basically the Same. An Ign Coil System has a Built In Ign Module and a Standard Coil System Uses an External Ign Module. The Coil Test for Both Systems are the Same. If the Flywheel Magnets Pass the Coil Pickups, the Magnetic Field Causes a Build Up in the Coil and this with the Ign Module (either internal or external) Causes the Plug/s to Fire. It is Rare but Possible the New Ign Coil is Bad. I have Purchased Many that had to be Returned to the OEM because the Ign Coils were Bad Right Out of the Box. If you have a Local Automotive or Small Engine Service Center that has a Coil Tester, then have them Test the Old and the New Coils. There is No Reason for this Coil Problem if you have Good Magnets and the Ign Coil is Good, the Coil will Fire the Plug/s whenever the Magnets Pass the Coil Pickups. I will Research this Problem in the Shop Today and See if I can Duplicate this Problem with a Unit I have. Do Not Give Up. The Coils have to be the Cause of this Problem if the Engine was Properly Grounded. 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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. Ratings and Comments are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
