Greerj1987 3 #1 Posted October 10, 2020 Hello, I just bought an old a-81. The ignition system was messed with by the PO but I have it back together but no spark. Voltage testing is telling me the magneto is no good, but I have no idea what one I should buy. I'm not sure what the green box is, but a green wire from the ignition runs to that - then to the magneto. Closest thing to a stamped model number is 191707. Any help would be appreciated! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,304 #2 Posted October 10, 2020 I'm thinking that green box is some kind of points eliminator. The magneto coil should have NO POWER going to it. If the PO wired it wrong and there is 12 volts going to it it is fried. Also make sure the switch is for a magneto ignition. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,386 #3 Posted October 10, 2020 Welcome to the forum. The 191707-5639-01 was used on 2 1979 models 93-08BP01 93-08BP02 Some info here - click on the pictures Engine OM IPL Engine service manual If you have a red wire going to the engine coil from the module disconnect it and see if it runs. If it does the key will not shut it off. Choke to stop it. Magneto ignitions are self-powered. The ignition wire simply grounds the coil to shut it off. Do NOT allow any battery volt to get the the ignition wire or coil. That will burn up the coil. Garry 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greerj1987 3 #4 Posted October 10, 2020 My key ignition has a prong labeled M, I'm assuming for magneto. There is a green wire in the botched harness, runs from ignition switch to the "green box" . Is it some sort of cutoff? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greerj1987 3 #5 Posted October 10, 2020 Also, forgive my noobiness. Should the ignition switch be grounded to the frame? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greerj1987 3 #6 Posted October 10, 2020 Or I guess my question is, should the magneto wire be hooked up the the ignition "g" or ignition "m"? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,304 #7 Posted October 10, 2020 M and the switch needs to be grounded 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greerj1987 3 #8 Posted October 10, 2020 Ok thanks guys for help, nice forum . 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,763 #9 Posted October 10, 2020 Can't help with the magneto but wanted to say hi from another crazy Mainuh... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greerj1987 3 #10 Posted October 11, 2020 Hey Eric, I can give you one guess why I bought this thing besides it being cheap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,223 #11 Posted October 11, 2020 (edited) If you suspect that the coil is bad. I would suggest replacing it with a solid state coil. Only wire that will run to the new coil will be a kill wire from the "M" terminal on the switch. Briggs & Stratton part #398811 or aftermarket equivalent. Edited October 11, 2020 by Achto 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,763 #12 Posted October 11, 2020 6 hours ago, Greerj1987 said: Hey Eric, I can give you one guess why I bought this thing besides it being cheap. Well I have 2 reasons. 1. Yer nuts like the rest of us. 2. It's a Wheelhorse. Hey if you want one of those modules to substitute for the points I've got one I'll likely not use. It's your for the postage. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,763 #13 Posted October 11, 2020 Where in Maine are you? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greerj1987 3 #14 Posted October 13, 2020 The answer to my lame question is: No Rust! I got it running, replaced the coil and it goes well. Now i Have to mess with a few other things on it - front end is a bit janky, loose chain, fluids. I am in Cape Elizabeth. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,763 #15 Posted October 13, 2020 5 hours ago, Greerj1987 said: The answer to my lame question is: No Rust! I got it running, replaced the coil and it goes well. Now i Have to mess with a few other things on it - front end is a bit janky, loose chain, fluids. I am in Cape Elizabeth. No rust around here is excellent!! Gotta watch out for those janky front ends. You're right close to a few of us. Good placement to the Meet N Greet @JCM has in N Berwick. @Stepney is also here in southern Maine. Trina n I live in Hiram and both work in Portland. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stepney 2,351 #16 Posted October 13, 2020 Was this the one thats been floating around the classifieds near Portland for months? Hope so. Nice to see it go to a good home. I used to have an A-81 myself. Still have some of the parts. Fun little buggy to cut grass with. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greerj1987 3 #17 Posted October 14, 2020 So...after about an hour of runtime with the replacement coil, I lost spark again. I'm assuming the new coil shorted out somehow or it is a chinese junk part....not sure yet. Im wondering if I should buy another $15 cheepo part, or invest in American made. Hate to throw more money at this thing. On 10/13/2020 at 9:15 AM, Stepney said: Was this the one thats been floating around the classifieds near Portland for months? Hope so. Nice to see it go to a good home. I used to have an A-81 myself. Still have some of the parts. Fun little buggy to cut grass with. This one was on craigslist for a few weeks before I bought it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,763 #18 Posted October 14, 2020 Might be worth a call to Rick and Ray's over in Buxton to see what they get for one and what the warranty would be. They've been my go-to small engine repair shop for a long time .. 15 years? I don't even know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greerj1987 3 #19 Posted October 14, 2020 23 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: Might be worth a call to Rick and Ray's over in Buxton to see what they get for one and what the warranty would be. They've been my go-to small engine repair shop for a long time .. 15 years? I don't even know. I will give them a call. Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,763 #20 Posted October 14, 2020 PM sent with number Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
