Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): ignition, craftsman riding lawn mower, delivery problem

Question
I have a Tecumseh 10hp craftsman riding lawn mower. I wanted to ask if the solid state ignition is going bad, can it cause a motor to surge and smell like wire burning coming from the motor housing?

Thanks for the help

Answer
Surging is usually a fuel delivery problem.  Usually a carburetor that's dirty.  There's usually no smell from a coil, they pretty much go bad all at once.  You should look around and see if a wire is melting on the block somewhere.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks, PK.