coil hookup

canadian northerner · Jun 16, 2008

i have a old crafstman lawn mower with a 400 cc briggs and stratton engine with electronic ignition.I had to purchase a new coil and am unable to hook it up properly. one wire on the coil goes to the spark plug but where does the other wire go?.is there a site where i can find out the proper way to reattach the wires to the ignition switch. Thanks in advance.There are 5 contacts on the ignition switch.

Bob M · Jun 16, 2008

If you're talking about the B&S "Magnatron" ignition coil, the primary wire must grounded to stop the engine. So you need to find which terminal on the ign switch is closed (shorts to ground) when the key is in the "off" position.

Can easily do this with a VOM or DMM. Set the meter to the lowest resistance (ohms x 1) position. Remove the wiring connector from the switch. Now ground one meter probe to the the metal switch body, then with the key "off" test each switch terminal. The terminal with 0 ohms resistance will be where the magneto wire should be connected. (Tip: Make sure this terminal goes open with the key in "run" and "start"!)

No meter? A continuity tester will work. Or make a continuity tester from a flashlight battery battery and suitable small bulb.

coil hookup

canadian northerner

Member

Bob M

Well-known Member

Similar threads