Onan P-series engine

[Mr Mower Man]

I've encountered a 1997 Onan 20HP Performer (Model P220G-I/11457H) that has a spark problem. I can't imagine that they were still making points-n-condenser ignition systems in '97, but there's a condenser hooked to the positive side of the ignition coil. I really think this is a 12-volt ignition system with a condenser to help with any voltage spikes (that's what I read at onanparts.com but I have no idea how that concept works).

My problem is that I'm not getting spark to the #2 cylinder. To rule out plug wires, I swapped them at the ignition coil, and then I wasn't getting spark to the #1 cylinder. So the problem is the one terminal of the coil, which I assume can only be fixed by replacing the coil. Am I right about that? Is there something else I need to check? I'm a relative youngster (31) operating my own shop, dealing with Briggs, Kohler, and Kawasaki OHV engines all the time, and this is the first time I've seen an engine like this. So someone please help me fill in the gaps.

By the way, I'm happy to see so many of the names on this forum that I also saw on the PERR forum last year. You guys are great!

Thanks!

Sam

[StarTech]

My problem is that I'm not getting spark to the #2 cylinder. To rule out plug wires, I swapped them at the ignition coil, and then I wasn't getting spark to the #1 cylinder. So the problem is the one terminal of the coil, which I assume can only be fixed by replacing the coil. Am I right about that?

Sound like it to me and current PN is 166-0820.

Parts Breakdown
http://gravelymanuals.com/pdf/Onan_P216G_P218G_P220G_Parts_Catalog_19981000.pdf

[daniel]

Definitely a bad coil. Each plug wire has a separate coil inside, and each are fired at the same time by the crank trigger. If one side fires, then it's not the trigger modeul....has to be the coil itself.

[bobodu]

Hey Dan'l....how ya been? You should have all the time in the world to visit us with the wheat off ....unless ya got work to do...