The plot thickens as I continue to search for spark. After checking all the wiring again and jumping directly from the battery to the coil, I managed to get a good hot spark... for a few seconds. It was enough to get the engine to run a bit and confirmed that no major mechanical (compression) problem existed. As soon as it stalled I removed the plug and found no spark again. Each time I do this I ensure the plug is grounded.
So here it is in a nutshell:
-All wiring checks out as well as points and condenser.
-Coil passes resistance tests.
-Compression and timing are good.
-Spark is non-existent, intermittent, or very weak most of the time. On a few occasions it appears hot and normal, but only lasts a few second.
I called my neighbor over who worked at a lawn equipment dealership that sold green tractors. He said it was not uncommon to see a coil fail even though it checked out OK with an ohm meter. It happened a couple times a year at his shop. Armed with that knowledge, I'm out to find a new coil. I hate throwing parts at a problem, but it seems to be the only thing left to try. Has anybody else had/seen coil issues. I believe the one I have is the 1978 original part.
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IH 1650, CC 1210, 1610 and Bolens 1257
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