Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD 188 will not start, kawasaki dealer, starter fluid

Question
Our John Deere 188 riding mower will not start after having replaced a relay switch (added per JD repairman's advice)and battery - it ran for about 30 seconds and stopped. After checking for spark, thought it might be a faulty safety switch. I read a previous answer that said to wrap a wire around the spark plug after removing it and connecting other end of wire to engine block, while disconnecting the wire(s) for the safety switch at the condenser...tried something like that and still no spark. Plugs are getting gas. It is an air-cooled Kawasaki 17hp FD501V model. Thanks!
Doug
olson.dg1@google.com

Answer
Hello Doug:

Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Model 188 Come up as an Auger Platform. Are there Any Letters Before the 188? I Located the Engine Breakdown at the Kawasaki Site and this Engine has an Igniter and a Pulsing Coil. What Relay did you Replace. With the Mower Model Numbers I can See a Complete Breakdown of the Mower and Electrical Schematic and Better Assist you. It Sounds like the Igniter or the Pulsing Coil May be Bad. Either of these Components can Cause the No Fire to the Plug Problem you Described. Are you Sure the Engine is Getting Gas? Also, you can Not use the Diagnostic Test that is Used for Other Engines. You will have to Remove the Pulsing Coil and Igniter and have a Local JD or Kawasaki Dealer Test Each. What Happens if you Pour a Small Amount of Gas (1oz) or Use Starter Fluid to Try and Restart the Engine. Does it Try to Start? If Yes, then you have a Fuel Problem. You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.buykawpower.com/kmcb2c/main.jsp and Select View Parts Catalog. 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