Vanguard 16 hp.

[Bill_Wells 0]

Any know how one of these is supposed to be wired????, I think I "smoke tested" the electronic ign on mine by puttin power from the switch, to the ground ( kill) terminal, directly above the electronic voltage regulator box, (starter side). Now I don't think I have spark. HEELLLP!!

[powermax_paul 1]

Did you try www.briggs.com? They have a lot of *.pdf literature on their site. Paul

[PatRarick 1]

Bill, It's possible, but doubtful, that all you have done is to burn out the diode between the two ignition armatures (coils). There are two on this engine, one for each cylinder. There is a diode between them to allow current to flow in only one direction, so they do not ground each other out. If you were lucky, this diode is all you burned out. If it went beyond, you may have burned out one or both of the ignition armatures. You will have to remove the blower cover and remove the ground wire from both armatures. Spin the engine and check each cylinder for spark. If you have spark in both cylinders, it is only the ground wire w/diode that will have to be replaced. If you have spark in only one cylinder, you will have to replace the armature on that cylinder that has no spark. If you have no spark in either cylinder, then both armatures will need replacement. I would replace the ground wire w/diode in any case. As to wiring, did you install the engine in a tractor that originally had a battery ignition system? If so, you will need to replace the ignition switch with one from a magneto equipped engine. You need to ground the ignition terminal to stop the engine. The only engine wire you should have current to, is the wire on the voltage regulator. Good luck! Pat

[Bill_Wells 0]

Paul, I tried Briggs & Straton first, they wern't much help, they said contact your local B&S dealer, but thanks, I didn't kow about them till the other day. Pat, I'll pull the motor back out & check as you said, hopefully it's just the diode, I'll post when I find out so some other "poor sap" don't make the same screw-up!! Thanks much. bill.