Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Montgomery Ward Garden Tractor No Spark, safety switches, garden tractor

Question
This old tractor (don't know the year)has a twin 656cc Briggs. I traced the wiring and all seems ok. Starter cranks like crazy! Compression seems ok. No spark at plug. I need to get to the coil (or magneto) which is under a shroud that can only be removed by lifting the whole engine out. Is there a way I can check without going through that.

Thanks
Dan  

Answer
 Hello Dan:

 Before you go any further, Does this Mower have Safety Switches? If so One of these will Cause this Problem. Also Disconnect the Wire from the Coil to the Ign Switch. Then Check for Fire at the Plug. If you do Replace the Ign Switch.  If not then You need a Coil or one of the afore mentioned Safety Switches may need Replacing. All Coil Problems I have seen in the Past 30 Years have been they Work or they Dont.

 Good Luck

 Rsepectfully

 John