Gcw804 4 #1 Posted August 8 I've got a 1989 with a Kohler Magnum 10 engine. It ran fine the last time I cut the grass. I hadn't try to start it because it had been so dry here until about 2 weeks ago and it won't start. It turns over but won't start. I sprayed starter fluid in the carburetor and still wouldn't start. I disconnected the spark plug and check it and it's not getting any spark. I tested the ignition coil and it's putting out 14.66 OHMS according to the OHM meter. So it seem like that's plenty of spark. I tested the rectifier and according to what I can find out it seems like there is an open circuit somewhere preventing it from starting. Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance Gary Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,070 #2 Posted August 8 Your ignition is self-powered and to shut it off the ignition wire is simply grounded. Do not allow any battery voltage into that wire - will release the magic smoke. The safety switches ground the ignition wire when the switches are not in the run mode. Ignition is controlled by the seat switch and one half of the pto switch so check those first. Download this file to see a diagram of the ignition circuit. Play with the pto lever in the OFF position - it may be not quite activating the switch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 7,034 #3 Posted August 8 Not the best of ideas to use starting fluid in these small engines. Starting fluid is violent enough that it can cause damage to small engines. A better alternative to starting fluid is carb cleaner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,393 #4 Posted August 8 9 hours ago, Gcw804 said: I disconnected the spark plug and check it and it's not getting any spark. I tested the ignition coil and it's putting out 14.66 OHMS according to the OHM meter. So it seem like that's plenty of spark. I tested the rectifier and according to what I can find out it seems like there is an open circuit somewhere preventing it from starting. First, the rectifier in the ignition wiring of a Magnum is there to protect the magneto from being burnt up by voltage being applied to the kill wire. If the rectifier is OPEN it will not prevent the engine from starting, but it will prevent you from shutting it off from the key. The attached service manual has test procedures in section 8 that should help you find the problem. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gcw804 4 #5 Posted August 9 Thanks for the feedback. I did check the PTO switch and it seems to functioning as it should. It still cranks but won't start. I'll check the ignition diode tomorrow and see if that is the problem. Gary Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
