K181 8hp with points and condenser, no spark (2024)

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arch252

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  • Sep 17, 2016 / K181 8hp with points and condenser, no spark
  • #1

I have a Troy-Bilt tiller with an 8 hp Kohler K181ST-301006. It is electric start. It has point and condenser. It won't start, getting fuel but no spark. I used an inline spark tester and I'm getting nothing. I tested the points and they were not making contact. I cleaned the points and gapped them and they tested out great, good contact. I rechecked with the inline spark tested but still nothing. I used a small lighted current tester and connected it to the spark plug cap. When I turned the engine over it was lighting up. That led me to believe the coil is sending a spark, just an extremely weak spark, not enough to light up the inline spark tester. Would this indicate a problem with the coil or a problem with the condenser? I was inclined to go ahead and order a condenser since that was cheap and easy to swap.

Another question about this. There were three wires connecting to the condenser, one wire going to the points, one wire going to the ignition switch and one wire going to the grounding tab on the linkage panel that continues on from there to go behind the shroud to where I am assuming it connects to the stator. In the picture you can see the three different wires, I have them disconnected. I tested the connections, with all three wires connected to the condenser, the condenser showed to be grounded. I disconnected the three wires and the condenser tab was not grounded. Each one of the three wires were tested separately and showed they all were grounded. The wire going to the stator was grounded even after I disconnected it from the ground tab on the linkage panel. Should those three wires be grounded? Doesn't seem to me that they should.

I was going to remove the flywheel just to check the shaft key but I wasn't able to remove the flywheel so I gave up on it. Not a big deal except I was not able to inspect the coil or magnets.

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arch252

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  • Sep 17, 2016 / K181 8hp with points and condenser, no spark
  • #4

Thank you Rivets, that is extremely helpful.

I know very little about electrical circuits so please help me out here.

I was able to determine what my wiring should be. At some point this has been tinkered with. I attached the correct wiring diagram. I should have two wires from the condenser, one going to the points and one going to the coil. I should have a wire from the key switch to the coil and a wire from the coil to the condenser. I only have one wiring coming off my coil. Does that wire connect to the condenser or the key switch OR can it connect to both since the one going to the condenser and then to the points is just to ground it when the points close?

The points connect to the condenser, but does it really matter where the points connect within that circuit? As long as it supplies a ground when the points close, couldn't the points connect at the condenser, at the coil or anywhere else inline?

I said I had three wires connecting to the condenser. 1) hotwire going to the key switch, 2) wire going to the coil, 3) grounding wire connecting to the points.

In my attached pictures you will see two pictures of the coil with the bearing plate removed. I am pointing to the one wire that comes from the coil. It is attached to a secondary inline grounding circuit on the linkage panel (for the Stop position on the throttle control). Should that wire connect to the key switch or the condenser, or can it connect to both AT the condenser tab (which is what I have done)? The picture on the carb side I am point to that same wire where it is currently connected to the condenser tab. Below my hand you can see the second wire that is connecting the condenser tab to the points. You can see the third wire on the condenser tab that is disconnected, I had that wire connecting to the key switch. Finally you see me pointing to the disconnected wire from the key switch. According to the wiring diagram it should connect to the coil but there is not a second wire coming off the coil so if I can't connect that to the condenser tab, where do I connect it?

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Rivets

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  • Sep 17, 2016 / K181 8hp with points and condenser, no spark
  • #5

Read pages 8.2 and 8.3 in the manual I attached earlier. It talks about the battery ignition system which you have and the diagram 8-3 is the one you want to follow. If you have more questions after you have read that post back.

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arch252

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  • Sep 17, 2016 / K181 8hp with points and condenser, no spark
  • #6

Thank Rivet, I missed that earlier but that sure makes more sense. The one wire from my coil connects to both the condenser and the points. Where does the wire connect that is coming from the key switch? Does that connect to my condenser?

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Rivets

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  • Sep 18, 2016 / K181 8hp with points and condenser, no spark
  • #7

If you look at the diagram it goes to the coil.

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arch252

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  • Sep 18, 2016 / K181 8hp with points and condenser, no spark
  • #8

I was with you but you lost me there. I do not have a coil like that pictured in 8.3. I don't have two wires, a positive and negative. My coil (pictured in previous post) is attached to the stator mounted under the flywheel. I only have one wire, and according to the diagram in 8.2 that wire goes to the points and condenser. That all makes sense but leaves the key switch wire with no place to go.

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Rivets

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  • Sep 18, 2016 / K181 8hp with points and condenser, no spark
  • #9

You may be in over your head. If the wire comes from under the flywheel, you have a magneto system, not a battery coil system. Stators are used on charging systems and have nothing to do with the ignition system on the K engines. You are going to have to read all of section 8 in the manual to identify which system you have and how to wire it. This manual is the easiest to us, so follow it's directions and diagrams, after you know which system you have.

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arch252

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  • Sep 18, 2016 / K181 8hp with points and condenser, no spark
  • #10

I do have a magneto system, or at least I think I do, please look at that earlier photo and tell me. I also have a stator to recharge the battery for the electric starter.

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K181 8hp with points and condenser, no spark (2024)

FAQs

Why is there no spark on my power to points? ›

If no spark, then the problem is coil or the wire to the points. To check the coil, disconnect the wires from it and take your multimeter (You do have a multimeter, don't you...) and check the resistance between the 1 and the 15 terminals.

Why are my points not sparking? ›

If no spark is visible, check to see if the points or wires are shorting to ground either at the points or at the primary terminal screw going through the housing. Also check where the contact spring connects to the main frame of the points and make sure the insulator is not melted.

Why is my coil pack getting power but no spark? ›

If you see a weak or no spark on any of the coils, you will need to replace them or repair the wiring. Check other possible causes such as a bad ignition switch, a blown fuse, a faulty PCM, or a slipped or broken timing belt. These are less common but still possible reasons for your no spark condition.

What would cause a Kohler engine not to have spark? ›

If your Kohler engine isn't sparking, then it's likely due to a problem with the ignition timing. This process sets up when spark plugs are fired, and fuel injectors are opened.

What is the most common cause of no spark? ›

If no spark appears, check for broken wires, shorts, grounds or a defective stop switch. Once you have confirmed that the stop switch is working, reconnect the spark plug lead.

What are the symptoms of a bad point condenser? ›

Attached to the points, the condenser or capacitor stores the current temporarily to prevent the points from arcing and turn off the current faster. Ignition problems, an engine that won't fire, and rough running are symptoms of faulty points and a malfunctioning condenser.

How do you test an ignition coil with points? ›

To test if the coil is working:
  1. Remove the wire that goes from your coil to the points.
  2. Put a small length of jumper wire on that post of the coil.
  3. Place the large secondary wire from your coil near ground.
  4. Tap the jumper wire on ground.

How to tell if distributor points are bad? ›

Check for corrosion or degradation. If the points look burned or the contacts have eroded or a worn out block, these parts need replacing. Pull a plug wire off the distributor test each one. A screwdriver can be used to check the arc when the ignition is turned.

Can a coil pack be bad and still spark? ›

Usually, if a coil pack is bad, there will be a loss of fire or spark in one or more cylinders. This causes what's commonly referred to as misfiring. Misfiring can cause drag on the crankshaft, and usually results in a very poor performing engine.

What two things can cause the ignition coil to not work? ›

Air bubbles can create a path for electricity inside of a coil, and lead to premature failure. Coils fail for a variety of reasons including heat, vibration, or issues on the secondary side of the ignition system. Coils are commonly found bolted to the cylinder head, either on top or inside of a cylinder specific well.

What are the symptoms of a bad ignition module? ›

It determines your vehicle's base ignition timing and controls the primary ignition circuit to aid in ignition. A bad ICM can lead to an illuminated check engine light, engine misfires or a rough engine, stalling, or your vehicle not starting.

Can a bad module cause no spark? ›

Stalling: A failing ignition module can occasionally prevent the engine from getting spark, causing it to stall. 4. Car won't start: An engine needs four basic things to run: fuel,compression, spark and exhaust. If the ignition module has failed completely, the vehicle won't get spark and won't start.

What would cause a Kohler engine not to start? ›

Kohler Small Engine Carburetor

Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner.

What else could be a starting problem besides spark plugs? ›

The most common causes are problems in the ignition (for example, a bad ignition coil) or fuel system (for example, a clogged fuel filter). However, the source may also be a mechanical fault (for example, a leaking valve) or faulty components in other systems.

What does it mean when there is no spark? ›

When couples say they no longer feel a “spark,” it may mean that they're missing the initial feeling of infatuation or that long-term commitment has become challenging. Meeting your partner and falling in love may have felt exciting, new, and intense.

Why is my 2 stroke spark plug not sparking? ›

If there isn't any spark visible when kicking the engine over, follow these steps: (1) Check the metal cap on top of the spark plug and make sure it is tight. Give it a gentle twist with a pair of pliers if it isn't. (2) Make sure that the spark plug lead wire is solidly connected to the spark plug cap.

What causes no power to the ignition coil? ›

Bad wiring: It is possible that there is a break or short in the wiring between the computer and the coil. If this is the case, then the signal from the computer will not be able to reach the coil, and the coil will not be able to fire the spark plugs. Bad coil: It is also possible that the coil itself is bad.

References

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