BruceK 1 #1 Posted June 6, 2021 Good evening. Thankyou for letting me join the forum. I have had two elderly Wheelhorses for many years now ~ a C161 and a Commando 8 hp. I've made a few tools to use them with, including a gravel rake, a scarifier and a dozer blade. They are normally in regular use earning their keep, but I'm currently having a problem with the Commando and can't get a spark. I've changed the plug and I think the fault may be the coil. What's the best replacement coil to buy? The old one is just painted black with no identifying numbers. Does it have a ballast coil or a non ballast one? Any other suggestions as to the reason for the fault would be most welcome. Thankyou for your help. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,155 #2 Posted June 6, 2021 (edited) You need an internally resisted coil. Napa IC14 or equalvilent to what you have for suppliers is a good one. But, I've been around engines for 55 years. Unless the coils shows a crack or burning marks, they rarley go bad especially this style. The first thing to check is the condition of the points and is the coil receiving 12volts from the switch. Edited June 6, 2021 by squonk 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwell-8 4,277 #3 Posted June 6, 2021 to Any help you need we are here. Good to nice tracotrs I hear. Got any for us? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,336 #5 Posted June 6, 2021 Are you sure its the coil? A condenser can cause the same issue. Could be a key switch as well. Check all your electrical connections such as your ground wires too! T😎 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,741 #6 Posted June 6, 2021 Good coils cost money and like squonk said they are not frequent fails. here are some simple test for you to try The last one you need some kind of cheap spark plug tester. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BruceK 1 #7 Posted June 6, 2021 Thankyou for all the suggestions. I'll try switching the coil and condenser from my running machine first and see if I have any joy that way. It's usually a great starter so hopefully I can have it up and running again soon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,764 #9 Posted June 6, 2021 Welcome to Red Square!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
