Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): No spark, briggs stratton, recoil starter

Question
Hi John,
I have a I/C 16hp Briggs & Stratton and cant seem to get a spark.I have tried taking off the spark plug lead and seeing if i could could get a spark by putting it close to the block but nothing.I have removed the flywheel and cleaned all the bits and re-wired everything and i'am positive its all hooked up right.I did just read your answer to another question on an ignition switch with the letters M-B-G-S-L,i do have the wire going from my coil/magneto to the M on the switch-is that right?...any ideas why i'm not getting a spark or any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Brett

Answer
Hello Brett:

>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File I Made for Checking the Coil/Ign Coil/Magnetron/Armature on Small Engines. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>**To Check the Ign Coil; Remove the Spark Plug/s.
>>With a Good Plug, Wrap a Wire Around the Threads of the Plug and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block.
>>Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). The Wire that is Connected to the Coil/Ign Module from the Shut Off Switch needs to be Removed (unplugged) from the Coil/Ign Module.
>>Now Check for Spark at the Plug. **You can Replace the Blower Housing to Turn the Engine with the Recoil Starter.
>>If Spark, then the Shut Off Switch or the Wire is Bad.
>>If Still No Spark, then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. If there are Safety Switches on this Unit and the Coil is Good; you Need to Check the Safety Switches for Being Bad and Check the Oil Guard Switch also.**  
>>The M-B-G-S-L on the Ign are Usually Identified as Follows; M- Magneto/Ign Coil,  B- Battery,  G- Ground,  S- Solenoid,  L- Lights.
>>If you Hit a Snag, have More Questions or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Follow Up Questions are Received Anytime. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John