Coil problem?

[squonk 41,137]

Check for 12V at the coil positive wire with the wire OFF the coil and key on. With the wire connected the points may be in the closed position and you are reading "Potential to ground" and not be getting a true reading. Also check the resistance of the coil wire to the plug. 

[953 nut 55,284]

20 hours ago, John Rizzardi said:

like i stated earlier, i do not like “easter egging” 

Couldn't agree more, lots of time and money wasted by replacing good parts until the BAD component is found.

With the ignition wire removed from the coil + as Mike suggested you can attach your meter between the wire and ground and verify that battery voltage is present when the ignition key is in the run position. If the proper voltage is present then we know the ignition switch and PTO switch are not interfering with the ignition system. 

The resistance checks on your ignition coil have come out good so the final components are the ignition points and condenser. Remove the wires form the coil as well as the lead to the condenser. Remove the cover from the points and your spark plug. With the points closed use a small screwdriver to open them and insert a dollar bill, release the points and slide the dollar bill back and forth to remove any film that may be on them.

Now rotate your engine by hand in a clockwise direction as seen at the flywheel (counterclockwise at the PTO) and observe the ignition points. When they are fully open check the gap between the points, it should be 0.020" and the surface of the points should be smooth and clean. Set your meter for continuity and see that there is NO continuity between the two contact points, then check from ground to the wire from the points to the negative side of your ignition coil to be sure it is also clear of grounds.

If all of the checks come out good then connect the wires to your coil but leave the condenser lead off. With the spark plug connected and laying on the head crank the engine over and see if it sparks, if it does then connect the condenser to the coil negative side and check for spark again. If there is any reduction in spark with the condenser connected replace it with a Kohler 230772 condenser. The dime store variety condensers you will find in the Big Box stores are for magneto ignition systems and will not perform properly with a points ignition system. Even though your meter has a capacitance setting it probably will not give you the nano-farad reading you need (200 to 500 nF). Also be sure the condenser is mounted with the wire pointing down to prevent water intrusion.