Spark problem

[ArgoSteve]

ok, just found a problem with my 16 HP B&S Vanguard V-twin engine in my 93 Argo. The spark plug in the front work, has spark, the one in the rear, doesn't spark. Both are brand new plugs, like a couple days old. It just stopped working all of a sudden.

What are my options for troubleshooting?

Thanks,
Steve

[Roger S]

There's a wire with a diode or two that connects the coils together and allows the ignition switch to ground and kill the engine. I don't remember all the details about troubleshooting it.. maybe use an ohmeter to check them, or cut the wire out and see if it runs. The wire assy is $8 bucks or something through briggs. I seem to recall this has caused the rear cyl to lose spark, according to a guy on route6x6 board.

You'd have to pull the cowling off the engine, can be done in the argo. Some 10mm head bolts on the sides of it.

[ArgoSteve]

There's a wire with a diode or two that connects the coils together and allows the ignition switch to ground and kill the engine. I don't remember all the details about troubleshooting it.. maybe use an ohmeter to check them, or cut the wire out and see if it runs. The wire assy is $8 bucks or something through briggs. I seem to recall this has caused the rear cyl to lose spark, according to a guy on route6x6 board.

You'd have to pull the cowling off the engine, can be done in the argo. Some 10mm head bolts on the sides of it.

Thanks Roger, will tear it apart tomorrow morning.

Steve

[ArgoSteve]

There's a wire with a diode or two that connects the coils together and allows the ignition switch to ground and kill the engine. I don't remember all the details about troubleshooting it.. maybe use an ohmeter to check them, or cut the wire out and see if it runs. The wire assy is $8 bucks or something through briggs. I seem to recall this has caused the rear cyl to lose spark, according to a guy on route6x6 board.

You'd have to pull the cowling off the engine, can be done in the argo. Some 10mm head bolts on the sides of it.

Roger, I figured it was the coil, so I replaced the coil and still no spark. It must be that wire. I'll have to get a replacement wire. So frustrated with it now. I'm planning a trip in the next few weeks and need this running right!

[racerone3]

just unhook that wire from both coils and try cranking it. if it has spark with that little black wire unhooked, then you need to replace the wire. note: if the engine fires up with that wire unhooked, you won't be able to shut it off with the key... you'll have to use the choke to shut her down.

[ArgoSteve]

just unhook that wire from both coils and try cranking it. if it has spark with that little black wire unhooked, then you need to replace the wire. note: if the engine fires up with that wire unhooked, you won't be able to shut it off with the key... you'll have to use the choke to shut her down.

Great, thanks Racerone3, I'll try to take that wire off today. I could just pull the plug wires off to shut her off?

[Jeff t-boss]

I was under the impression that the diodes prevent the coils from cross-firing the cylinders. And as for pulling the wires off the plugs to kill it, "I've been jolted quite well doing that!" So be careful. The voltage going through that wire can jump quite a distance.

[Roger S]

The diodes are there to allow one kill wire (ground) from the ignition switch. If you don't use the diode wire, you can run seperate ground wires off the coils and ground them to shut off the engine, via some double pole/throw switch, whatever or two seperate switches, or hang a couple wires off the dash and ground them by hand. That would be a good field fix and let you ride, if you can't buy the diode wire in time for the ride.

[ArgoSteve]

The diodes are there to allow one kill wire (ground) from the ignition switch. If you don't use the diode wire, you can run seperate ground wires off the coils and ground them to shut off the engine, via some double pole/throw switch, whatever or two seperate switches, or hang a couple wires off the dash and ground them by hand. That would be a good field fix and let you ride, if you can't buy the diode wire in time for the ride.

What would the part # for the wire be for my engine?
Briggs and Stratton Engine # 303447-0326-01
1993 Vanguard Argo V693-22
I think it could be either 1 of 2 part #'s I found:
692319 or 691999

[Roger S]

The 1999 assy has 4 ends, the 2319 has 3

this is the 2319

http://www.eccarburetors.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_171&products_id=356

[ArgoSteve]

The 1999 assy has 4 ends, the 2319 has 3

this is the 2319

Wire Assy [692319] : EC Distributing, Your Online Racing Store!

FINALLY, it's fixed. Was the cable all along, ohh well, got a new coil anyway!! I thank everyone for their input, appreciate it.

Steve