QuestionQUESTION: Hi John...
I have been frustrated with trying to get my Ariens GT19 (Model 931026) Garden Tractor running. It has a 19 hp Kohler twin engine (Model: KT19S and Spec: 49145 ). It cranks fine and ether in the carb did not help. I pulled a plug wire and placed a new plug in it and placed against a ground to check the spark. There was none. The points were replaced 2 years and as I manually open/close them I can see no spark. I verified points are opening and closing with an VOM. I then measured the voltage across the coil primary winding. This reveals 0V on the (-) side and about +9 on the (+) side as the points are opened/closed the voltage goes from 9 and then back to 0v as I would expect on the (-) side of the coil. The resistance of the coil primary is 5 ohms and the secondary appears to be open (infinite resistance) to all other terminals. So... I replaced the coil. Now, engine still does not run but I have a very weak spark on my test spark plug (either cylinder). I even ran a wire direct from battery to coil + side to see if 12V would improve spark. Nope... still very weak. I have cleaned the pints and check them for resistance. No problem found. I did try disconnecting the condenser and then I had no spark. So... what can I do to further diagnose this problem??? Is there a reliable way to check the condenser? What does it do? Any help on theory or practical solutions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Jim
ANSWER: Hello Jim:
There is No Reliable Way to Check a Condensor. I have a Condensor Tester I Gave $225.00us for and it is Only Correct 75% of the Time. I Just Replace the Point Set. It's Easier and I Don't have to Worry About the 25% that the Tester is Wrong. Have you Looked Into the Electronic Ign for this Engine? You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.kohlerplus.com/login.asp and Select Enter as Guest. 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. 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: Thanks John,
Uppon further research and the Kohler Service manual you linked me to (thanks) I understand that the purpose of the condenser is to avoid or reduce pitting of the points. In fact, it looks like you could run (for test purposes) without a condenser.
As for your question about looking in to electronic ignition, are you suggesting I install that? Where in the Kohler site is that discusses and where would I get that?
Thanks again... Jim
AnswerHi Agian Jim:
The Electronic Ign Unit is an Aftermarket Unit. Usually your Local Small Engine Repair Center will have One or can Order One for you. They Make a Add on that Replaces the Point Set. The Rotary Corp Part Number for the Add on to Replace the Point Set is Either 8767 or 9334. You can Run the Engine Without a Condensor. If you Disconnected the Condensor and the Plug Does Not Fire, then the Point Set Contacts are Not Making Connection or the Coil is Bad. The Electronic Ign Give Less Trouble than the Point Set. Have you Filed the Point Set Contacts with a Finger Nail File to Remove Any Coating that May be on the Point Set Contacts? 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. 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
