Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): breaker points, tecumseh engines, spec numbers

Question
Hi and thank you for your time for helping me.My question is about breaker points on small engines.if the points are bad,what do you look for?how can you test the points to see if they are working properly?
i have two wires from the coil, one going to the condenser and the other one going to the points,which one of these wires is the primary wire?
     thank you
              Greg

Answer
Hello Greg:

Usually the Point Set has 2 Wires. One is the Engine Shut Off Wire that Grounds the Point Set and Stops the Point Set from Firing and the Other is From the Coil. Both Should be Hooked to the Condenser. On Some of the Older Tecumseh Engines the 2 Wires were Connected to the Contact Set and Not the Condenser. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Usually if there is No Fire at the Plug and the Shut Off Wire has been Disconnected from the Shut Off Switch, then the Point Set is Bad. A Coil Very Rarely Goes Bad. If a Coil has to be Replaced it is Usually because it has the Internal Solid State Ign Module as a Part of the Coil and the Ign Module is the Reason for Replacing the Coil on this Model Engine. Yours has the Point Set, so this is a Non Issue here. 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