Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): No Spark, briggs stratton, safety switches

Question
I have a craftsman riding mower Model 31f707 Type 0129e1 that has no spark, it does crank over I have checked your archives and note you first disconnect a ground from the coil and then check for a spark at the plug. I am familiar with the old automotive coils but where is the coil on a mower engine? What does it look like? I could find no reference to a coil on Briggs & Stratton's schematic or parts list.

Answer
Hello Kevin:

Other Names for the Coil are Magneto, Magnetron and Armature. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Unit at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ... and Enter the Model Numbers (31F707) and Type Numbers (0129) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. The Coil/Armature is #333 on Page 8 of 15. It is Located Under the Blower Housing (metal engine cover), Next to the Flywheel. The Magnets on the Flywheel Cause the Coil to Build A Charge and the Internal Ign Module Fires a Spark to the Spark Plug. This All Happens within a Split Second as the Magnets Pass the Coil/Armature. The Coil/Armature is a Grounded Unit Only. It Uses No Current/Voltage to Operate and is Stopped from Firing the Plug by Grounding the Opposite Side of the Coil. When you Remove the Shut Off Wire, you are Checking the Coil/Armature for being Operational. There May be a Short in the Shut Off Wire or the Safety Switch System of the Mower. This Eliminates the Coil/Armature from being a Cause for the No Fire. If the Coil/Armature Fires the Plug with the Shut Off Wire Disconnected, then the Coil/Armature is Good and There May be a Bad Safety Switch. **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 Jumper from Same Color Wire to Same Color Wire). Check the Clutch/Break 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.** To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. 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