Trying to determine date of mfg for my wheel horse 416-8

[TASWheelHorse 0]

Just bought my first wheel horse lawn tractor (416-8) and am excited to determine its age to start diagnosing start problem and purchase the correct parts.  The tractor doesn't have a label plate but my best guess so far is a 1986.  It has a 16HP Kholer Magnum Engine.  Any help would be appreciated.  Pics below. 

[wallfish 15,918]

416-8 with Magnums were made in 87 & 88
That tractor looks to be well taken care of!
You can go here and look up your engine and narrow it down
http://kohlerengines.com/manuals/engineIdentification.htm
 

Edited August 2, 2015 by wallfish

[TASWheelHorse 0]

Thanks much.  I plan to clean the tractor up and replace all worn parts in the next few months and get it running again.  Labor of love.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,491]

The Kohler serial is a 2002 model so engine has been replaced.

Look under the left side of the seat. You can see where the tractor decal was. Hopefully you can still read it.

Garry

[TASWheelHorse 0]

That would explain why I'm having a tough time, thanks.  Unfortunately the decal was un-readable. I'm specifically looking for an ignition coil for this engine.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,491]

The engine spec number should be 7115xx according to the info I see for the M16. I think the important number on there is the 1-800 number. Give them a call.

Interested in knowing what they tell you.

Garry

[TASWheelHorse 0]

Agree, will let you know.  Thanks

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,491]

Your realize this ignition system is self powered and to shut it off the ignition wire is simply grounded to the chassis? The switches do this if working properly but a short to ground will also defeat the ignition. It is not very often the coils fail.

1988 was the first year for the damper on the transmission clutch idler pulley. The dampers often got removed but the bracket on the pulley arm would likely be left. You would have to remove the drive belt guard to see that.

Garry

Edited August 2, 2015 by gwest_ca

[TASWheelHorse 0]

No I don't know much about this tractor since I just got it.  I'm not getting spark as tested by an in line spark tester and assumed it was the coil.  I was going to jump out the seat, pto, and brake switches first. 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,491]

Don't bypass the seat switch. Just disconnect the wires from the switch for testing purposes. 

Here is a good wiring manual. Each circuit has it's own diagram.
http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/2006-tractor-1987-416-8-wiring-detailed-492-4509pdf/

What ever you do - do not allow any battery voltage into that ignition wire. That will cook the ignition coil.

Garry

[wallfish 15,918]

You can test the engine by disconnecting the wires which come from the engine. You should see 3 wires coming directly from the engine (usually exiting from around that starter area) which should go to a connector. Pull the connector apart and try to start the engine. The shut down (white) wire will be disconnected but you can use use full choke to shut down the engine if it starts. That engine will run just sitting on a bench with nothing connected to it because it has magneto ignition.