Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): chain saw - no spark, spark plug wire, 2k ohms

Question
Lee-
I have a nice old Poulan 71A chain saw, 1961, and it has always been such a great saw - simple, powerful, loud, and heavy.  The ignition system is very simple - a cam actuated contact point, a coil, a condensor, the magneto (flywheel), and the spark plug/wire.  My problem is that I have no spark.  The other problem is that the parts are very hard to find.  I bought the only condensor I could find several months ago, and have about 1 or 2 hours run time since.  My question is this :  what EXACTLY is the function of the condensor, and if I suspect it can I test it?  If I can't test it to confirm its functioning, can I replace it with a similar-but-not-exactly-the-same condensor?  How are they rated/spec'ed?
Simlar question for the coil - how do I test it?  I'd like to confirm it's integrity also.  With my meter, what should I see and where?
ANy help will be very appreciated.  Hurricane Frances looms and I need my saw!
Kindly -
Scott Carter

Answer
ok the parts are almost impossible to find for it. some aftermarket parts are available, not many im afraid. to test the condenser is not easy, do you have an analog or digital meter?
and yes you can replace it with a similar sized condenser.
the condenser is like a one shot battery of sorts, it stores the charge from the coil for a micro second and releases it in one shot as for the coil you can test from plug wire to ground and see how much resistance there is it should be at the least 2k ohms the higher the better best being open if you send me the numbers ill give you a better opinion of them.