416H Turns Over, No Spark, No Run

[Rollo416H 5]

I'm new here, but I have years and miles of dealing with electrical issues with my 1997 416H, engine Onan P216G (I am the only owner) . Problem description: the start circuit turns the starter over fine, but no spark at the plugs or the coil sockets by spark tester.  The ignition trigger tests good by connecting a test light to the coil positive and and the ignition trigger negative lead, plenty of light flash from the test light in unison with the engine turning over. So, I conclude the ignition trigger, replaced 3/18/2021 along with the coil is good.  I have followed the "Demystification" wiring diagram in detail and there is 12V at the coil positive terminal, wiriing is solid (for now), all those damn safety switches, key switch,  and relays work too. I conclude that the coil is bad since the primary side tests 3.1 OHM and the secondary tests infinite OHMS (1. displayed on multimeter).  Two coils (Onan part# 166-0820) have NEW dates of 3/2021 and 8/2021, and yes both have the same test results mentioned. Infinite OHMs to me means the coil windings are broken. The most recent coil came from Onanparts.com and tested as mentioned above when it arrived.  Onanparts won't take anything back!  There are a lot of coils on ebay and various suppliers from China.  Maybe good, maybe bad, who can tell? And most suppliers won't accept returned electrical parts. Please help: What are good test readings for a GOOD coil (primary and secondary). Who do you recommend as a reliable supplier for a new coil? 

Thanks for any help!

Rollo416H

Edited January 3, 2022 by Rollo416H

[Handy Don 10,591]

Welcome to the forum.

Pulsing at the coil +, infinite Ω on the secondary, and no spark sure sounds like a dodgy coil to me, but I'm sure there are more knowledgable folks who'll chime in shortly.

Good job on narrowing it down!

[lynnmor 6,766]

 

I think that you might need a better meter, those infinite readings may be the normal very low reading.  The readings are shown on page 8-2 of the Onan Service Manual.

 

Also see the thread My Onan doesnt have spark.

Edited January 3, 2022 by lynnmor

[cleat 4,949]

Here is the coil test procedure from the Onan service manual.

 

Wheel horse 520H ignition coil test.pdf

[Achto 26,546]

 

FYI a 3ohm Harley coil will also work on your Onan engine. Been running one on mine for a long time.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/162918891168?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=162918891168&targetid=1262906534562&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=9019452&poi=&campaignid=15275224983&mkgroupid=131097072938&rlsatarget=pla-1262906534562&abcId=9300697&merchantid=113791214&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2sqOBhCGARIsAPuPK0gwSrhAGeDEqDenmyZZoG8O203k7Q304VXdTbqBxKSbp3kk1cwjKv4aAjWkEALw_wcB

[roadapples 6,981]

                    

[WHX?? 46,729]

Recently had the same problem - intermittent no spark and pulled the coil to find this.  I like the Harley coil idea although mounting it the only draw back. 

 

[SylvanLakeWH 24,118]

[Ed Kennell 35,740]

7 hours ago, Rollo416H said:

Who do you recommend as a reliable supplier

I just bought a good used one from Lincoln at  @A-Z Tractor  , one of our Red Square vendors.

 

Oh, pardon my manners......to the 

Edited January 3, 2022 by Ed Kennell

[Rollo416H 5]

Thanks to all for the great welcome!

Now here's how my 416H no run problem ended up. Having the demystification manual was a blessing. I retested my three coils carefully and found that my meter probes were not making contact in the sockets.  Turns out all were good per the manual specs. I ran through the tests for the ignition and found the ignition module was bad, no voltage swing when I rotated the flywheel.  So, I ordered from Jack's Small engine after price comparisons. Borrowed a puller and removed those dang sheet metal pieces that are so hard to get back on. With care and bravado I enjoyed replacing the ignition module, tested again for voltage swing and sure enough it passed this time.  Good trigger ring, good module, cleaned up and reassembled.  Started right up and even ran in the dark! It must be great to have a couple of these old horses to work on! Now, I can get back to brewing beer instead of making my wife jealous of a 26 yr old lawn tractor.

[WHX?? 46,729]

2 minutes ago, Rollo416H said:

I enjoyed replacing the ignition module,

Good to hear Rollo! 

[kpinnc 10,710]

2 hours ago, Rollo416H said:

Now, I can get back to brewing beer instead of making my wife jealous of a 26 yr old lawn tractor.

 

If that worked universally, I'd have the bathtubs full all the time! 

 

Mine isn't really jealous. She just rolls her eyes alot and only gets mad when her dad and I won't talk about anything other than engines and tractors. ...for hours.