QuestionQUESTION: I have a John Deere SRX75 with a 9HP Kawasaki FC290V engine.
Anout 3 weeks ago I used it and it was fine. Then the cold weather set in and it no longer starts. I have the service manual for the engine.
I thought the coil was defective until I did some research and found most likely it would be The control unit (igniter).Yesterday I bought a brand new one from Deere dealer along with new plug. Made sure the coil was cleaned and properly gapped, still no spark. Checked out ignition switch according to manual and all terminals function as should.
Coil wire is screw on type where wire and plug connector are screwed together and can be separately replaced.Wire has complete continuity but indicates resistance when plug connector attached. As an experiment I used a old car wire plug wire to test, still no spark. All safety switches on mower are functioning and I sit on the seat when testing.
It's my understanding the coils rarely malfunction, but it's the only logical explanation for the malfunction.
Already in the hole for 62.00 for the igniter, not anxious to part with a another 60.00 for a new coil. Any suggestions on what else I could try or do you think the coil in fact is defective.
ANSWER: Hello Will:
Have you Checked the Coil with the Harness Disconnected from the Ign Circuit. A Coil Going Bad is HIGHLY Rare. I have Replaced Many of the Solid State Ign Coils, but Only 1 Coil (even on JD) in my 30+ Years of Doing Small Engine Service. Always Disconnect the Shut Off wire as Close to the Coil as Possible when Checking a Coil. The Internal Design of the Automotive Coil is Different and Would Not Fire the Plug. Without a Coil Tester to be Sure, you will have to Remove the Coil and Take to to a Small Engine Service Center that has a Coil Tester. I have Used OHM Meters and Other Test Methods and a Coil Tester is the ONLY Sure Way to Know (Other than Buying a New Coil) if the Coil is Bad. Is the Igniter Under a Warranty? I Deal with so Many Different Companies, that I Tend to Forget that Most of my Questioners are Homeowners and Do Not have the Return Options that I do. 1 Thing to Remember is; You have an Igniter if the Coil is Bad and you will Most Likely Use it in a Couple of Years. Igniters are the Most Replaced Component of the Engines Electrical System. It is the Same for Any Small Engine with the Ign Module/Igniter that is Seperate from the Coil. I Hope this Answers your Question or at Least Gives you a Direction to go. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John,
Thank you for your advice. I have already tested the ignition circuit and all checks out according to the Kawasaki service manual. I also isolated the wire going from the ignition switch to the igniter and then to the coil. There was no continuity to ground on any portion of the harness so the harness wires are OK. Air gap is correct and magnet is strong on the flywheel.
I sure hope the Deere dealer did not sell me a defective igniter, it's my understanding there is no true way of testing it since it's solid state circuitry within.
I have followed Kawasaki's trouble shooting guide for no spark, everything checks out to the point where it says to change the igniter (control unit), the next step they suggest is change the coil. You say in your 30+ years in the business you only changed 1 coil, well you never met me.I should have been born a Murphy, all my life I've been following his law. I'll attempt to have the coil tested before I buy one as you suggested, don't know if some of the local shops have the equipment to test Kawasaki coils.
I would think the Deere dealer has it but they're 60 miles away round trip. If I end up replacing the coil and that doesn't fix it, I may just take a sledge hammer to this machine.
Best Regards
Will
AnswerHi Will:
LOL. Thats Why when I was Supposed to Retire to WV with the Wife I Ended up Opening a Small Engine Service Center here, My Nearest Competition is 40 Miles Away (1 Way). From what you have Said, you have Followed All the Correct Diagnostic Procedures and as you Stated; Unless the New Igniter is Bad, then the Coil Should Eleminate the Problem. JD is a Good Machine; But like All the Others, it has its Bad Points as Well. The Igniter is a Good Example. Best of Luck. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
