Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere 66 riding mower, rotary corporation, tecumseh engine

Question
My JD 66 Riding Mower has 6 hp Tecumseh engine with pull start.  Recently periodically it would start backfiring and lose power when engaging deck then it would go away for a while.  The last time I cut for about 5 minutes and it started backfiring/losing power and would not restart.  I pulled and cleaned plug.  Checked for spark and there was not any.  Tried ether and would not fire. I then come back to it the next day and checked for spark and there was some.  Gave it two pulls and it started.  Started sputtering as before when I let it run for a while.  In spring I changed points and condensor but not coil.

Is the coil my issue here? If it is, it is on the inside of the flywheel and I have never tried to set the gap on something like that.  

Any help on what the problem is or how to solve would be much appreciated.

Answer
Hello Jim:

Usually this is a Sign that the Point Set Contacts are Sticking and Causing the Condensor to Overheat. I Suggest you Check the Point Set Contacts for Sticking and if they are Sticking, then Replace the Point Set with the Solid State Ign Replacement. Some of the Tecumseh Engine will Use a Nova 11 Solid State Ign Module with the Coil that is Already on the Engine. Nova 11 is a Rotary Corporation Product and is Avaliable at Most Small Engine Service Centers. The Rotary Part Number is 8786. It is Rare for a Coil to go bad, but it Happens. Usually the COil will Stop Functioning Completely and Not Fire the Point Set at All. The Description you Gave Usually Indicates a Bad Point Set or Condensor. 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. 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John