I need some serious help.

[Kabruta]

I am just buying the coils and the wire and I am hoping this will solve the problem. Thanks for everyones help. I will let you know when I get it all back together.

[Jeff t-boss]

The diodes in the wiring are there so that the two coils don't cross fire with each other if you do get replacements, make sure you install them in the right direction. Totally take one of your coils out of the system and see if the other gets spark. Then take that one out and reconnect the other and check for spark.

[jpswift1]

Sounds like it to me. I think I did the both of them. I just bought this max and it seams like I take 2 footsteps forward and 5 steps back. haha

That's all part of the learning process. I've done lots of stupid stuff over the 10 years I've been working on 6 wheelers. You'll be happy that you made those mistakes when you're on the trails and something breaks and you know just how to fix it.

I really don't think you could have done any other electrical damage than what everyone has mentioned. I believe the charging and ignition systems on the Vanguards are two different systems that aren't wired into one another. Hopefully that will rule out any damage to other parts such as the rectifier, etc, etc.

[Kabruta]

Sounds like it to me. I think I did the both of them. I just bought this max and it seams like I take 2 footsteps forward and 5 steps back. haha

[LarryW]

Could I have done any other electrical damage? Thank you all for this help.

I doubt it. Just thought I would mention my wires fell off the key switch and the kill wire that shuts engine off when grounded touched +. It did fry my coil. Sound like same thing you may have done.
Good luck with it.
Larry

[Kabruta]

I burnt both diodes (burnt the diodes in half). I called a local shop to see if they just had the wire in stock and they didnt, he told me that I most likely fried the coils and that I could make a jumper to bypass the diodes to test the coils, which I did and it still didnt want to start. And thinking of it now I havent been checking for spark, I am just turning the motor over? The motor always cranked right up. Could I have done any other electrical damage? Thank you all for this help.

[Roger S]

And the wire and diodes is $8 or something from Briggs..

[Hey_Dan]

The wire that conects the 2 coils together and goes to the ignition switch has a couple diodes in it, and you may have fried them. Unplug the wire from each coil, and see if you have spark. If you do you know the coils are still ok.

[racerone3]

check out Mower Parts | Lawnmower Parts they sell aftermarket coils for about 1/2 the price of oem briggs units.

[Kabruta]

Thank you for your quick reply. I did see smoke from both sides of the motor, so that makes sence. I am trying to find a downloadable service manual for a vanguard. Thank you

[jpswift1]

I have Briggs vanguard 14 hp motor. There are two black wires that go to the ignition switch. By mistake I switched the wires and when I turned the key I seamed to have burnt something on the motor, I noticed smoke coming out from the motor. Now the motor will not run, it only turns over. Does anyone know what I fried in my motor? Thank you

I did the same thing once, don't feel bad. I believe my problem was the coil(s). You can find them cheap on ebay. Take them off and see if they have that a burnt smell to them. Good luck with it.

[Kabruta]

I have Briggs vanguard 14 hp motor. There are two black wires that go to the ignition switch. By mistake I switched the wires and when I turned the key I seamed to have burnt something on the motor, I noticed smoke coming out from the motor. Now the motor will not run, it only turns over. Does anyone know what I fried in my motor? Thank you