149 won't start

[cubcadet]

Hey guys,
I can't get my 149 to start, there is no spark, a couple months ago it lost spark and the problem was the power wire to the coil, the spark used to come and go, now it won't come back and I tried cleaning the points and they look good, they don't even spark, so is this a bad coil?

[Alvy]

Nikster do you have a 12v test light? Light should be lit with key on and also in start position on positive (+) side of coil. Light should flash when cranking on negative side of coil. If positive side not lit, back track to key switch and connections. How are you checking spark?

[sawdustdad]

Here's how I would diagnose no spark, in this sequence.

1. Make sure you have 12v+ at the positive side of the coil with the switch "on." Use test light/VOM from the Pos terminal to a good ground.

2. If yes, verify points closing. Remove wire to points from the neg side of the coil. test for continuity from the end of this wire to a good ground as you rotate the engine. at various points in rotation, you should alternately get continuity (zero ohms) and infinite ohms (open circuit) indicating that the points are opening and closing.

2a. If no 12v+ at the coil, go back to the ignition switch and look for power.

3. If you are getting continuity at the points (opening and closing) Check the coil. turn the ignition switch off and remove all wires from the coil. Use the VOM to test the resistance of the coil. should be about 8 ohms. Place the pos and neg leads of the VOM to the pos and neg terminals of the coil. If much less (6 or less) or infinite, you've got a bad coil. replace it.

3a. If you are not getting continuity across the points, check connections to and at the points. The wire to the points should be checked for continuity. Clean points with fine sandpaper and try the test again.

4. Check/replace the plug wire.
5. Check/replace the plug itself
6. Replace the condenser

Another test you can do is take a known good battery/jump pack and run a small wire from the 12v+ side of the jump pack to the pos terminal of the coil, clamp the neg lead to the engine's ground. Then touch the positive clamp momentarily to the start terminal of the starter. The engine should start and run. This is one way to rule out problems with your ignition circuit.

This is also another way to test run your engine w/o the rest of the wiring in place.

[darkminion_17]

Sounds like a good plan SDD.

[cubcadet]

Originally Posted by Alvy

Nikster do you have a 12v test light? Light should be lit with key on and also in start position on positive (+) side of coil. Light should flash when cranking on negative side of coil. If positive side not lit, back track to key switch and connections. How are you checking spark?

Mike, yes I am using a test light, and yes there is power to the positive side of the Coil. I will check the negative side.

[cubcadet]

Originally Posted by Alvy

Nikster do you have a 12v test light? Light should be lit with key on and also in start position on positive (+) side of coil. Light should flash when cranking on negative side of coil. If positive side not lit, back track to key switch and connections. How are you checking spark?

No more power out of the coil, I tested it on my 122 and that does perfectly, do I need a new coil?

[darkminion_17]

Originally Posted by cubcadet

No more power out of the coil, I tested it on my 122 and that does perfectly, do I need a new coil?

No,
Just take the one off the 122.

[cubcadet]

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

No,
Just take the one off the 122.

tried a different coil that I know is good, still nothing, tried to clean points already , is it a condenser?

[cubcadet]

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

No,
Just take the one off the 122.

I blame this mess on lew for selling us a lemon.

[darkminion_17]

Originally Posted by cubcadet

I blame this mess on lew for selling us a lemon.

I like lemonade...
run a clean piece of paper between the points and see what happens.