Rebuilt Engine with no Spark

[tobystoy]

We purchased a used Argo which ran fine when we got it. Due to health issues had to let it sit for over a year. A "helpful neighbor" tried to get it started for us using, yes, ether. Consequences - bent push rods and stuck valve. Head, valves, rods, replaced. Ready to start engine, turned key, and ..... no fire to plugs. Used light tester and have fire from ignitor to coil but nothing from coil to plugs. Any suggestions??? I am a 60ish granny and hubby is nearing 70. Really want to get this running before before I get too old to enjoy! We love our Yamaha ATV's but are looking forward to getting to the marsh.

[Jeff t-boss]

Check your point gap and make sure they are opening. Also check your cam/valve timing and see that the keyway is installed between the flywheel and crank.

[tobystoy]

thanks - this argo has a kawasaki engine - ignitor box instead of distributor. i did check the pick-ups at the flywheel. can both coils go bad at the same time? new ignitor is $250 so want to troubleshoot before spending my ss ck.

[Pophamrt1]

Re-check your wiring, specifically your ground connections to the coil and block and ignition kill circuit. The odds of having a coil or ignitor failure at the same time as an engine rebuild are slim to none.

[Jeff t-boss]

thanks - this argo has a kawasaki engine - ignitor box instead of distributor. i did check the pick-ups at the flywheel. can both coils go bad at the same time? new ignitor is $250 so want to troubleshoot before spending my ss ck.

Unfortunately, if anybody accidently hooks the battery up backwards (Even for a few seconds) it will blow the ignitor boxes. I found that out on a boat motor I bought that the guy said "Just stopped running". The smell of burnt electronics led me to the box.