TROUBLESHOOTING
Test Procedures
2000 FE290 Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance and Service Supplement Page 11-29
11
TEST PROCEDURE 13 – IGNITION SPARK
Read DANGER and WARNING on page 11-1.
1. Place the neutral lockout cam in the SERVICE position, put the Forward/Reverse handle in the NEUTRAL
position, and chock the wheels.
2. Remove the plug wire from the spark plug. Using an ignition spark gap test tool (Thexton 404
®
or
equivalent), check for correct spark (Figure 11-37, Page 11-29).
2.1. Adjust the tester probes to approximately to 18,000 volts (18 Kv) setting (SE –
small engine set-
ting–on the Thexton 404 tool). Connect the tester to the spark plug wire, and connect the alligator
clip to a solid engine ground.
2.2. Turn the key switch to the ON position and crank the engine by depressing the accelerator. There
should be a strong blue spark between the probes of the spark gap tester. If there is no spark, or
if the spark is a faint yellow or red color, test components of the ignition circuit.
3. If the spark gap tester tool indicates a strong blue spark, it is possible the spark plug has failed
internally. Check the spark plug gap. The gap should be set at .027 to .031 of an inch (.69 to .79 mm).
If the gap is correct, replace the spark plug with a new part and test the engine for proper operation.
TEST PROCEDURE 14 – RPM LIMITER
Read DANGER and WARNING on page 11-1.
1. Place the neutral lockout cam in the SERVICE position, put the Forward/Reverse shifter handle in the
NEUTRAL position, chock the wheels, and disconnect battery, negative cable first.
2. Disconnect both of the bullet terminals (Figure 11-38, Page 11-30).
• KEEP THE BATTERY CONNECTED WHILE PERFORMING TEST PROCEDURE 13.
Figure 11-36 Test Voltage Regulator
Figure 11-37 Ignition Spark Test
NOTE
BATTERY
VOLTAGE
REGULATOR
SOLENOID
RE
D
2m
20
m
200
m
2k
200
200
200
200
20
2
200
m
500
20k
200k
2000
k
Ω
Ω
1000
OFF
WAVETEK
5XL
V
V
V
A
!
!
COM
200mA
MAX
1000 ---
750V
FUSED
IGNITION GAP
TEST TOOL
SPARK PLUG
WIRE
SPARK PLUG
FRAME