Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): craftsman 19 hp lawnmower wont start, briggs and stratton, coil wire

Question
QUESTION: I have a craftsman mower model 917.270771.  It has a Briggs and Stratton motor model 42E707.  I was having trouble with it running on only one cylinder so I replaced the coil after I got it started I went about 2 laps and it just died and I haven't been able to get it started.  I have also cleaned the carburetor.  I have checked for spark and don't have any.  Any suggestions on what to look for now.  Could this new coil be bad already?

ANSWER: What is the type number of the engine?  Is there only one small wire connected to the coil?  If so, dis-connect the small coil wire and check for spark.

If you have spark with the wire dis-connected then the coil is fine and you most likely have a safety switch problem.
Do you have a voltmeter?
Let me know if you have spark with the small wire dis-connected.
Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The type number is 2631E1.  I forgot to mention that I already disconnected the coil wire and checked for spark and none.  Yes I have a voltmeter.  

Answer
If there is no spark with the small ground wire dis-connected then the coil is bad.  Just to make sure, does the coil have a marking on it that says "This side out"?  If so can you see the marking with the coil installed?  If yes, and the small wire is dis-connected then the coil is bad.

Turn the key to the run position and use you voltment to see if there is DC voltage on the small wire...there should not be an voltage.

Let me know if you find any DC voltage on the wire.
Eric