Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): merc-o-tronic coil tester, best guess, coil pickups

Question
Im in the early stages of repairing small engines part time and as income when I retire. Is the merc-o-tronic coil tester worth the price? Or is it a waste of money as they are pricey. Thanks for your service to all of us, I read your site daily. But hey everybody out there send in your questions before the six pack, I dont know how you figure out what it is their asking, and the spelling!!! Thanks again.

Answer
 Hello Darryl:

 It is Pricey, but Not Many Shops have the Coil Tester. I Use an Old Engine that has been Modified to Bolt Several Different Coils to.  If the Coil is Good it Works when the Magnet is Rotated by the Coil Pickups. Some Coils will Test Good, even with the Tester, but are Bad when they Heat Up. For this Reason I Never Purchased One. As for the Questions, I Muddle Through and Make the Best Guess I can at Times as to what the Questioner is Asking about. It is Different from Actually Working on them, but I Enjoy it Very Much. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Thanks. Good Luck on your Retirement.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John