1541 ignition issues
 

My 1541 has been having ignition issues this spring. It starts right up, and runs great....as long as I keep it running. Several times, I've shut it off, and when I tried to restart it, it wouldn't fire...found there is no spark.
I thought it was an intermittent connection at the ignition switch, as once while troubleshooting, it started to spark when I wiggled the wires at the switch, and started right up.
The next time, it didn't help. I cut the mag wire, just before the engine connection out of despiration (to eliminate any problem in the tractor wiring) and there still was no spark. My thought is something in the ignition system, inside the engine.....the next day, after work, I tried, and it started right up.
What would be the most likely cause of my intermittent problem?
(when I check for spark, I have the spark plug wire connected to a plug, clamped firmly to ground, never operated without the plug wire connected)

Sounds like the symptoms of a bad magneto. It's a pretty common thing.

AJ

Edit.. I didn't see where you cut the magneto wire, I agree with AJ, from my understanding this wire takes out any safety switches to engine etc..

I had a problem similar to yours, but didn't cut the magneto wire as you have done, my problem was dirty ignition switch to wiring harness connector. I cleaned as best I could switch was easy to clean with a brush, and contact cleaner, plugged, and unplugged the ignition switch to the wiring harness, and used Vaseline after everything was clean for some protection from oxidation.

Vaseline is hygroscopic, so you may cause the very problem you are trying to prevent.

Matt I'm not sure how hygroscopic gasoline is , however if I'm not bad mistaken it's used in spark plug boots as well which would also seem to be a problem... maybe I'm wrong here.

It's pretty much petroleum jelly, and it my thinking was to provide a protective coating. I done a search and your correct Vaseline is hygroscopic, as is all petroleum based products.. However I have used Vaseline for years like this and it does prefent oxidation.