Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): no spark, 318 john deere, plug fire

Question
I have a 318 john deere with a p218g onan engine. I have no spark. I have replaced the coil and still no spark. Shouldn't I be able to make the spark plug fire by grounding the negative terminal of the coil with the key on? Do you think I need to replace that pick up coil behind the flywheele? I do not want to remove the engine unless I have to.

Answer
Hello Greg:

According to the Breakdown for this Unit, there is an Electronic Ign Module that is Used with the Coil to Fire the Plug. I Suggest you Replace the Ign Module. If the Ign Module is Bad, you cannot Fire the Plug even Using the Coil as you Described. On this Style Ign System, the Ign Module Usually goes Bad and Not the Pickup Coil. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers (318) and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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. Ratings and Comments are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John