mstanfield 0 #1 Posted August 3, 2021 Hi guys, new to this forum. My 416-8/ P216 Onan loses spark and won't start. Coil tests good (ohm readings) and the motor starts, runs a few seconds and then loses spark....failing to re-start. Once spark is lost, I re- tested the coli...which is good, but still no spark. Am I correct that since the motor sometimes starts that the ignition module is ok? I tried testing the module with a volt meter and voltage seems to drop from 12V to 3 or 4 volts....kinda hard to read the meter for some reason. Could the capacitor have impact to my spark issue? Trying to figure next steps without throwing parts at it.... I appreciate any help Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,389 #2 Posted August 4, 2021 On 8/2/2021 at 10:42 PM, mstanfield said: 416-8/ P216 Onan Could the capacitor have impact to my spark issue? The capacitor is wired to the coil (+) so it is there to smooth out the power to the coil. If the condenser was shorted it would affect the voltage to the coil but highly unlikely. Try disconnecting it and see if there is any improvement. I have no Onan experience. Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 59,240 #3 Posted August 4, 2021 1 hour ago, gwest_ca said: The capacitor is wired to the coil (+) so it is there to smooth out the power to the coil. If the condenser was shorted it would affect the voltage to the coil but highly unlikely. Try disconnecting it and see if there is any improvement. This is the best way to do a quick check of a condenser. An engine will run without a condenser for testing, it is there to extend the lifespan of the ignition points. I have no Onan experience. Garry .Garry, wouldn't the condenser be connected to the "-" side of the ignition coil? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,389 #4 Posted August 4, 2021 I believe all P-Series Onan engines use electronic ignition. Some Wheel Horse wiring diagrams do show the condenser but not all likely because the condenser is considered part of the engine. This illustration is from the Onan service manual. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,707 #5 Posted August 4, 2021 Download the Onan Service Manual on this site. The tests for ignition components starts on page 8-1. Often the module becomes heat sensitive when they fail, but they can behave in any number of ways. Look to our vendors if you want to try a used one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom2p 2,394 #6 Posted August 5, 2021 9 hours ago, lynnmor said: Download the Onan Service Manual on this site. The tests for ignition components starts on page 8-1. Often the module becomes heat sensitive when they fail, but they can behave in any number of ways. Look to our vendors if you want to try a used one. my second 416-H might have a problem ignition module it has shut down for no reason - and then just after started and ran fine for the next hour or so with no issues this 416 had some electrical system related issues - so maybe it's possible the module is not the problem ... ? ... the wiring to the seat switch (connector was apparently pinched / smashed and then taped) - and the tractor stopped running one time when a wire came off the regulator when I was cutting grass Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,707 #7 Posted August 5, 2021 8 hours ago, tom2p said: my second 416-H might have a problem ignition module it has shut down for no reason - and then just after started and ran fine for the next hour or so with no issues this 416 had some electrical system related issues - so maybe it's possible the module is not the problem ... ? ... the wiring to the seat switch (connector was apparently pinched / smashed and then taped) - and the tractor stopped running one time when a wire came off the regulator when I was cutting grass Electrical malfunctions can disrupt the flow of electricity to the ignition system, you can try bypassing everything by temporarily connecting directly to the battery. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom2p 2,394 #8 Posted August 6, 2021 23 hours ago, lynnmor said: Electrical malfunctions can disrupt the flow of electricity to the ignition system, you can try bypassing everything by temporarily connecting directly to the battery. cut yesterday after work for 2.5 hours without incident smh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,707 #9 Posted August 6, 2021 16 minutes ago, tom2p said: cut yesterday after work for 2.5 hours without incident smh If you have that infamous white 9 pin connector it can act that way as well. Look for burn marks or oxidation in it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
