RJR49 138 #1 Posted September 6, 2016 I saw a thread where someone described in detail how to troubleshoot one of these ignition systems. I wish I could find it now. Any help would be appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
82Caddy 851 #2 Posted September 6, 2016 What seems to be the problem? What have you done? What has been replaced? More details would help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 18,187 #3 Posted September 6, 2016 or use the "search" in the upper right corner to find the thread you are looking for Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,220 #4 Posted September 7, 2016 This manual could be helpful. Kohler K241-K341 Owner's Manual Rev. 8-97 (1).pdf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RJR49 138 #5 Posted September 7, 2016 My way of troubleshooting has always been to check the spark, and then start replacing things until I get one. A couple of months ago I saw a thread that took a more professional approach. Continuity, resistance, etc. complete with pics. I thought I would try it but I must not have the right search terms. I have not dug into it but it had been running great until one of my kids backed it out of the shed and then drove it back in. The tractor is a C-160, the safties long since gone. I suspect a wire got pulled lose which is why the continuity tests had so much appeal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,220 #6 Posted September 7, 2016 C-160 was made from '74 to '77, ignition systems changed; you never told us what type of ignition system you have. Is it a Magneto or Battery type coil? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RJR49 138 #7 Posted September 7, 2016 Sorry, it's a 1975 old school. points plug , condenser, and coil BTW I'm going to post this over in classifieds but anyone wanting either of these can have them for the postage. The pulley is the engine pulley from either a 1045 or a 1075. I think The clutch is off an Electro 12. It may have been rebuilt at least once. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,899 #8 Posted September 7, 2016 Take a 12V Test light,ground the clip and touch the + terminal of the coil. Turn the key on. It SHOULD LIGHT UP. If that's ok Touch the - terminal of the coil and turn the key to start the light SHOULD BLINK. If the light doesn't light up in the first step, You aren't getting power to the coil/ bad wire or switch. If the first step is ok but the 2nd step fails. Check points and the wire down to the points. The light NEEDS TO BLINK in the 2nd step. If it DOES NOT BLINK BUT IS ON your points aren't breaking the primary coil circuit. All the power in China at the coil is worthless if the points don't interrupt the primary circuit! If you have power at the + but nothing on the - terminals, you have a bad primary circuit in the coil. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RJR49 138 #9 Posted September 7, 2016 Squonk Thank you very much. Seems like something I should have learned 50 years ago! I can't believe I just typed 50! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites