Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Wheel Horse w/ Kohler Engine - Wont start, w kohler, kohler engine

Question
I have a 1986 Wheel horse tractor (416-8) with a Kohler Engine. It ran fine last time it was started, but sat for a year.

It turns over, and has gas to the carb. I think it has gas to the cylinder (if I remove the plug it smells like gas and it is wet.)

There is 12V at the coil, but it does not appear there is spark at the plug (no spark at the tip of the plug (removed) when turning over). The coil/plug wire is good.

I am not sure what to look for next. Are there points in this tractor? What voltage should come out of the coil? Is there something preventing a spark even though there is voltage at the coil?

Thanks for your help
Matt

Answer
You should not have points...Briggs switched to electronic in 1981.

If you don't see spark you may have a safety switch problem or a bad coil.

To check the coil you will need to remove the top engine sheet metal and dis-connect the small ground wire connected to the coil.  Once the wire is dis-connected, remove the spark plug and then turn the enigne over checking for spark.

Have you replaced the spark plug and tested for spark?  You may have a bad plug.


Let me know what you find.
Eric