Breakerless Ignition

[JBuys 0]

I am trying to help an older gentleman from church to get his tractor going again.  It is the breakerless ignition on a 12 Horse Kohler.  Is there any electrical testing that I can do to see if the ignition system is ok?   He pulled the motor and wiring from a running tractor but when it was installed into the other tractor, it wouldn't run. I am assuming it spins over but does not spark / fire. Let me know what to test and what the specs are. Thanks in advance. 

[pfrederi 21,021]

Very likely at some point in the removal reinstallation process they fried the Breakerless system by letting voltage get to the coil.  You have to wire it like a magneto system.

Before anything make sure the ignition switch is for a mag system ie.   There is an M terminal on it

 

Test to see if there is spark with a tester or just lying on the head.

 

Kohler service manual covers breakerless

Click on picture to download it.

 

 

[953 nut 68,377]

Just to be sure we are all talking in the same terms take a look at5 the drawings and ensure you are working with a breakerless ignition.

Not all Wheel Horses are wired alike so having the model number of the unit the engine is going into would be very helpful.

 

Edited August 23 by 953 nut

[JBuys 0]

ok, an update. The coil passes the tests and the trigger passes the first test of connecting leads to turn a light on one way but not switched. The trigger however does not pass the "tap" the magnet test.  I am trying to convince him to change it over to points and coil but I think he wants to purchase a trigger. He has a blown 16hp, would the points from that work on the 12hp?  Also if he were to find another trigger, where can you get them?  Ebay or do they sell them new?  thanks

[pfrederi 21,021]

Sorry about the trigger... Coils I have, triggers are very hard to find and very $$$.   

 

Points and coil from 16 should work.  You will also have to change out the ignition switch.

[JBuys 0]

Is there a non running test for the Stator?  The tests that I see are with the engine running. Maybe an Ohm test?  thanks

[953 nut 68,377]

Yes, you can do a resistance test, the engine service manual that @gwest_ca provided gives step by step instructions.

[pfrederi 21,021]

[JBuys 0]

My friend pulled a trigger off from another motor. It passed all the tests, he put it on the engine and it runs. BUT he needs both tractors to run so he is looking for a trigger if anyone has one for sale. thanks in advance. 

[ineedanother 2,793]

18 minutes ago, JBuys said:

BUT he needs both tractors to run so he is looking for a trigger if anyone has one for sale. thanks in advance. 

Good deal. Parts swapping one at a time can be a good diagnostic tool. Best to move this to the classified "wanted" section now to see if anyone has a source for an ignition trigger.