1250 no spark

[martyrant]

Alright, so I tried to do my due diligence here but I still have a question after doing research and troubleshooting.

I read this thread to help troubleshoot since it seemed to be a similar problem and is the same model:

https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/...ad.php?t=44422

I followed J-Mech's suggestion of using a test light to ground and then attaching it to the - side of the coil while cranking the engine. This produced no flashing, and I double checked it with a multimeter as well. So following his logic, it could be the points, the wire to the points from the coil, a bad coil, or the unlikely problem of a condenser.

I double checked the wire from the points to the coil, removed it, inspected it and it looks good and continuity with a multi-meter passes fine. I checked continuity with it installed as well and it was good.

I replaced the condenser since I was able to find one locally for $8 and said what the heck. No changes.

I tested the coil using the method found here under the tech library:

https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/showthread.php?t=27

And it tested good. I was convinced it was the coil regardless because I saw a weird reading once or twice, so I brought it over my neighbor's (who has a 1976 John Deere 316) and swapped my coil onto his tractor and it started and ran as normal.

So that leaves the points -- I have a question, though. With the key ignition on, if I separate the points with a screwdriver slightly shouldn't there be a spark? I am getting zero life at the points. I did file them and checked timing -- it all looks good, but there's no power there whatsoever.

Anyone have an idea of what I'm missing here...? Driving myself nuts and it can't be that complicated I'd think. I checked the manual but it doesn't seem to have troubleshooting for electrical issues that I could see.