Component Testing; Ignition System Operation; Ignition Coil - Toro Greensmaster
Flex 18 04018 Service Manual

Component Testing

For accurate resistance and/or continuity checks, elec-
trically disconnect the component being tested from the
circuit (e.g. unplug the ON/OFF switch connector before
doing a continuity check). Individual components should
be electrically isolated (e.g. disconnect all leads or re-
move from circuit) from the circuit when tested.
CAUTION
When testing electrical
continuity with a multimeter (ohms setting),
make sure that engine is not running to prevent
current flow through the component.

Ignition System Operation

The engine on Flex 18 and Flex 21 machines has a mag-
neto ignition system consisting of an ignition coil, spark
plug and permanent flywheel magnets. A flywheel key
maintains proper ignition timing.
Testing the Ignition System
NOTE: Do not remove spark plug from the engine when
testing the ignition system. The spark plug is necessary
to maintain normal starting speeds.
1. With engine not running, remove spark plug wire
from the spark plug and connect it to the spark tester
(see Special Tools in this chapter).
2. Connect spring clip of tester to a good, unpainted
ground on the engine block.
3. Make sure ON/OFF switch is in the ON position.
4. Pull the engine starter rope and observe the spark
tester. Visible and audible sparks should be produced.

Ignition Coil

A commercial coil tester can be used to test the ignition
coil. The coil can be tested for a badly shorted or broken
winding with a digital multimeter. However, a multimeter
can not detect layer shorts and shorts resulting from in-
Electrical System
components for
Page 5 – 6
NOTE: See the Kawasaki FE120 Service Manual at
the end of Chapter 3 – Engine for more component test-
ing information.
WARNING
The ignition system produces a dangerously
high voltage. Do not touch the spark plug,
ignition coil or spark plug lead when the engine
is running; you can receive a severe electrical
shock.
5. If visible and audible sparks are produced, the igni-
tion system is operating properly.
NOTE: If a sheared flywheel key exists, the spark tester
may indicate an operating ignition system but ignition
timing will be incorrect.
6. If visible and audible sparks are not produced, the
ignition system is not operating properly.
A. Check wires and connectors of the ON/OFF
switch and ignition coil for grounding or damaged in-
sulation.
B. If wires and connectors are good, test the ON/
OFF switch and ignition coil individually (see Kawa-
saki FE120 Service Manual at the end of Chapter 3
– Engine).
C. If the ON/OFF switch and ignition coil test proper-
ly, see Interlock Module and Switch in this section for
further testing.
sulation breakdown under high running voltages. See
Kawasaki FE120 Service Manual at the end of Chap-
ter 3 – Engine for ignition component testing informa-
tion.
Greensmaster Flex 18/21