Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 18.5 HP Briggs Engine No spark, hp briggs, continuity check

Question
I asked a question earlier, but i forgot the 1 in my email address.

It was the question regarding my weed-eater riding mower that has no spark after being shut off.  I diconnected all wiring except the starter button and the plug wires (i wanted to know if this was valid or if the plug wire required aux power from the battery during engine start), and am not seeing any spark out of either wire, even with a new plug.  

I did a continuity check on the 2 wires coming from under the flywheel and noticed they are both grounded.  I wanted to know if this was normal?
Of course even with a short in the alternator, after disconnecting all the wires shouldn't i still get a spark from the magneto?
Is there another way to test the magneto?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer
In case your don't receive the last answer, here it is:

Hi Joe,

You have done most of the work. I'm not sure what coil wires go where without seeing it. You will need to trace them away from the coil to see. The coil is most likely bad. Just make sure that the gap has not moved from it's .012 gap and that it grounded.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael

The coil should not require battery power.