I have a problem with my MTD shredder 8hp tacumseh engine insofar that I cannot detect a spark at the plug> I have substituted a known good plug and have tried laying the plug to earth but still no spark. Have checked the kill wire device and this seems to be ok. The machine was ok about 6month ago when it was put into storage. Have not done any stripping down as yet. Can anyone advise me further please. I dont know if the machine has points or a solid state ignition module. The machine is about 6yrs old and i have these number that may be of help 24A.-465A678. 1JO73G80282. SHREDDER 8HP 6 STYLE H

tony, April 2010

Remove cowling and see if there is a coil mounted OUTSIDE the flywheel. If so, check if there are wires leading under the flywheel. If there are, the engine has points. If not, it's solid state. Either way, replace the coil with a solid state module, cut the wires (there will be - one to coil & one to stop device) to the points & join the stop wire to the small terminal on the new coil.

Alternatively, if the coil is OK and the points are worn/corroded, simply buy a conversion kit & attach it to the stop wire.

If the COIL is under the flywheel, drop me a line & I'll advise.

phil_saunders(a)bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, April 2010