Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Kohler cv16s, dc voltmeter, wiring harnesses

Question
My lawn tractor cut out yesterday while running. Re-started it briefly a couple of times, now nothing. I have changed the plug and even replaced the coil, but I do not appear to be getting any spark. I know a spark tester would help, but I cannot afford one right now. The fuse is good and all connections appear to be tight. I have also tried to download the Kohler manual, but their site appears to be on the blink.
The engine specifics are as follows:

Model:  cv16s
Spec:   43519
Srl:    2919503643
Family: SKH426U1G2RB

Answer
hi michael
make sure your battery is in good condition  and is supplying voltage to spark advance module ?

can you pull the wire that is connected to the ignition  armature  and recheck for spark

if the unit now sparks with the kill wire disconnected from the coil - you have a grounding issue  from one of the interloc safty switches ie  seat switch, try disconnecting or bypassing
wire a jump wire    then check -:     clutch / brake switch  try bypass wire -
check nuetral switch,   check  pto engagement switch

could be igniton switch playing up too

here is web site-: for parts breakdown
http://www.partstree.com/parts/?lc=kohler_engines&mn=CV16S-43519

http://www.kohlerplus.com/main_frame.asp- go to all service literiture , service manuals , click on tp2339d and download manual  cv16s  it will help

Troubleshooting Procedure
1. Disconnect spark plug lead and attach it to tester
KO1046. Attach tester clip to a good ground, not
to the spark plug.
2. Crank the engine and observe tester for spark. Do
not touch tester while cranking.
3. If no spark is observed, verify that spark advance
module (SAM) is getting proper voltage.
a. Return to the connector where the engine
and unit wiring harnesses are joined and find
the double red lead in the back of the engine
connector. Using a DC voltmeter with a
probe lead, test the voltage at the terminal on
the double red lead with the key switch in
both the ‘‘start’’ and ‘‘run’’ positions. At least
7.2 volts must be present. If voltage is low,
proceed to step 4. If voltage is above 7.2,
proceed to step 5.

Remove the blower housing from the engine.
a. Trace the black ground lead from the SAM
and check that the ground tab and terminal
connections are all tight. Recheck voltage at
engine connector. If voltage is still low, check
battery, key switch, and wiring on unit.
b. When you are certain there is proper voltage
at the connector, retest for spark. If there is
still no spark, proceed to step 5.
5. If you skipped step 4, remove the blower housing
at this time. Check all leads and connections from
the SAM to the wiring harness and from the SAM
to the ignition module. Pay special attention to the
connection in the red lead, as the connectors can
be misaligned in a way that the terminals don't
make contact. Correct any problems found with
the wiring or connections and retest for spark. If
no wiring problems were found, or there is still no
spark, proceed to step 6.
6. Zero ohmmeter and perform the following
resistance checks on the ignition module. Module
should be at room temperature (70° F).
a. Remove the brown lead and test resistance
from the wide tab to the laminations.
Resistance should be 145-160 ohms.
b. Remove the yellow lead and test resistance
from the narrow tab to the laminations.
Resistance should be 900-1000 ohms.
c. Test resistance from the spark plug lead
terminal to the laminations. Resistance
should be 3800-4400 ohms.
If any of the resistance readings are outside of the
specified ranges, replace the ignition module. If the
resistance readings are all good, replace the SAM

check downloaded service manual as well  above is from the manual

have a look and and keep me posted

cheers