K301 no spark at points

[IaHawks]

I'm working on my k301 on a Cub 125 and having a some problems with the electrical system. Tractor ran 5 years ago, replaced battery condenser and points. Engine turns over but no spark at spark plug and no spark at points. Was thinking maybe bad coil but if you touch the points with a screwdriver/anything metal with key turned on it will spark, making me wonder why there is no spark if the points have juice. I took fine sandpaper and rubbed both points to make sure there was no coating and have the gap set to spec. Any ideas?

[R Bedell]

Go here to help you diagnose the Basic Kohler K Series Ignition Circuit.... http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/showthread.php?t=27

[IaHawks]

Very helpful diagram. However everything looks correct at quick glance, I wondered if maybe an improper ground from the condenser or points could cause it but I don't see how this could be possible as the points are attached to the engine normally and the condenser is in the standard brace. Things like this make me think about switching to electronic ignition sometimes lol.

[ol'George]

Point systems are the simplest form of ignition there is.
Just do your checking and you will find the problem.

[Alvy]

You need to verify wiring is correct. Here's the link to diagram

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/showthread.php?t=35

Points shouldn't have spark at them, make sure you deglaze the points. I know you said you did but make sure. if wiring correct then Buy a cheap 12 volt test light and test for positive at positive post of coil during start. If present, next step is, While starting, probe negative side of coil while starting, test light should flash. If it stays on constant, points aren't closing properly, if light is not on at all, coil is open or points aren't opening properly and coil needs to be replaced/points adjusted. Let us know your findings.

[dodge trucker]

Had that on a Kohler 16 on an Ariens had to replace the coil, points condenser plug and wire due to corrosion before it would fire. Thing had sat for who knows how long..

[R Bedell]

maybe an improper ground from the condenser or points could cause it

If both parts are properly mounted to the engine, and the engine is properly mounted to the chassis frame, and the battery is properly grounded to the chassis frame, then there would be no issue(s).

[IaHawks]

I went through the troubleshooting testing on it and now have some new insights. The wiring is all correct, test light shows power to negative and positive terminals on the coil but no light from the tower. There was also power to the points. However, power is constant from the negative post when key is in the on position and when starting. Multimeter tests had the secondary connection (pos and neg posts) in spec but primary (pos and tower) was nowhere close to spec. (In the tens instead of the thousands) Is the problem then a need for points adjustment and a replaced coil since the primary connection isn't in spec?

[R Bedell]

mulltimeter tests had the secondary connection (pos and neg posts) in spec but primary (pos and tower) was nowhere close to spec. (In the tens instead of the thousands)

If the ignition coil is out of spec's.......replace it.

See spec's.... http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/showthread.php?t=11

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by IaHawks

I went through the troubleshooting testing on it and now have some new insights. The wiring is all correct, test light shows power to negative and positive terminals on the coil but no light from the tower. There was also power to the points. However, power is constant from the negative post when key is in the on position and when starting. Multimeter tests had the secondary connection (pos and neg posts) in spec but primary (pos and tower) was nowhere close to spec. (In the tens instead of the thousands) Is the problem then a need for points adjustment and a replaced coil since the primary connection isn't in spec?

When the engine is cranking, you should get test light on with points together and test light off with points open.
check to see why this is not happening, possibly the points or connecting wires are grounding all the time.
the points act as an off/on switch for the coil.
the coil fires when the points open
If this not happening, you will not get any coil to work.