Pioneer 1200 Maintenance Service Manual page 153

TROUBLESHOOTING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: FE400 ENGINE
∆
WARNING
• When the white/black engine kill wire is disconnected, the engine will not stop running after
the key switch is turned to the OFF position. It will be necessary to pull and hold the choke
handle until the engine stops running.
4. If the engine does not run, connect the white/black wire at the bullet connector next to the RPM limiter
and proceed to Test Procedure 14 – Ignition Spark on page 11-33.
TEST PROCEDURE 14 – IGNITION SPARK
See General Warning, Section 1, Page 1-1.
NOTE: Keep the battery connected while performing this test procedure.
1. Turn the key switch OFF and remove the key. Place the Forward/Reverse handle in NEUTRAL. Chock
the wheels.
2. Remove the plug wire from the spark plug and use an ignition spark gap test tool (Thexton 404
alent) to check for correct spark (Figure 11-40, Page 11-33).
SPARK PLUG
WIRE
FRAME
Figure 11-40 Ignition Spark Test
2.1. Adjust the tester probes to approximately to 18,000 volts (18 Kv) setting (SE – Small Engine Setting
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. Start the engine. 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 0.027 to 0.031 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 15 – RPM LIMITER
See General Warning, Section 1, Page 1-1.
1. Turn the key switch OFF and remove the key. Place the Forward/Reverse handle in NEUTRAL. Chock
the wheels.
2. Disconnect the battery cables as instructed (Figure 11-1, Page 11-5). See WARNING "To avoid unin-
tentionally starting..." in General Warning, Section 1, Page 1-1.
2003 Pioneer 1200/1200SE Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance and Service Manual
IGNITION GAP
TEST TOOL
SPARK PLUG
Figure 11-41 Disconnect White/Black Engine Kill Wire
Test Procedures
Disconnect
white/black
engine
kill wire.
11
®
or equiv-
RPM
LIMITER
Page 11-33