Jerry W. Gilliam: You wrote: "
Question? Should the points show a lot of spark when firing?"
Answer:
NO!
Explanation: It is the job of the condenser to "soak up" the spark across the points. The condenser (which is known as a capacitor in electronic circles) is charged by the current which would otherwise transfer the energy via the spark you mention. The condenser (capacitor) aids the points in their job of interrupting the flow of current through the primary side of of the coil (which is in electrical terms is a transformer).
Key Point: When the points open, it triggers the magnetic field generated by the primary side of the coil (transformer) to collapse. The collapsing field of the primary winding induces a voltage in the secondary side of the coil (transformer) in direct proportion to the ratio of the number of turns in each winding (the winding on the primary side of the coil [transformer], and the secondary side of the coil [transformer]). So . . . The 12 volts through a few turns of wire is "transformed" into 20,000 volts through the many turns of wire in secondary winding. The power remains pretty much the same, so the 12 volt, primary, side consumes a lot of current; but the secondary side not so much. The "potential" (another name for voltage) of the secondary side DOES, however possess the ability to to "leap across" significant air gaps, where you want them to --from the electrode of the spark plug to ground.
Take Away: When you're seeing weak, reddish, spark from the electrode of the spark plug, it is the result of the spark at the plug being robbed of its energy by the spark at the points. Instead of dropping off suddenly (big collapse in the 12 volt field = big spark in the 20,000 field), it is tailing off slowly, so the "spark" fizzles at the plug.
Jerry:
<u>Buy a new condenser.</u> Like Kendal Harvey said (and Charlie confirmed).
(Sometimes when you think too much, you confuse yourself; we all do it, it is called over-thinking.)
If you can't find one specifically for a Cub Cadet / Kohler, a condenser for an automobile will work for testing purposes (I'm still running one on my 149). Only when you get a nice blue spark at the plug would I move on to investigate fuel issues.
Just my two cents.
Aside: Thanks, Mike.
Charlie: I never stopped driving 70 MPH on the Jersey Turnpike as we talked.
(And I'll keep my Monkey Wrench, thank you [big Craftsman "Crescent Wrench" is at work, although I could bring a big Tony "Crescent" wrench home].)
Why don't you show us a picture of your big Crescent wrench?
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