Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda 16HP GXV530 w/ No Spark, craftsman lt2000, jumper wire

Question
My neighbor has Craftsman LT2000 w/16 HP Honda  GXV530 w/no spark. Previously the engine would either run good & mow the whole lawn or not start at all.  No skipping or hot start problems.  I helped him test the safety switch circuit, and then unplugged the tractor safety switches from the engine – still no spark. The engine stop diode had a mouse chew in 1 wire & we got different meter readings on wires going from diode to each (2) coils.  This was replaced and still no spark on either coil (still not connected to tractor safety switches).  Different spark plugs were tried. The flywheel magnet was cleaned.  I suspect the coils -  I could expect 1 coil to be bad, but 2 at once?  What else can be tried before buying two new coils?


Answer
Hello Malcom:

From your Description it Sounds like a Safety Switch Problem. However, Disconnect the Shut Off Wires from Both Coils and Check for Fire. **To Check the Ign Coil; Remove the Spark Plug/s. 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 Also.** The Following is an Instruction File for the Safety Switch System. Any Input is Appreciated. **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.**  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