Last Updated on February 17, 2026
A lawn mower ignition coil plays a vital role in starting your mower and keeping the engine running smoothly. This small but powerful component converts low battery voltage into the high voltage spark needed to ignite the fuel-air mixture inside the engine. When your mower won’t start, misfires or suddenly stalls, a faulty ignition coil is often the hidden cause.
Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or a professional gardener, understanding how a lawn mower ignition coil works can save you time and repair costs.
We’ll cover common symptoms of a bad ignition coil, how to test it, replacement tips and maintenance advice to extend your mower’s lifespan. If you’re looking for reliable troubleshooting information and practical solutions, you’re in the right place.
Our Top Picks
Ignition Coil Module for Many Briggs Engines
Reliable fitment and consistent customer reports of improved starting and smooth running make this a top-choice replacement coil. It covers a wide range of Quantum/Intek/Power Builder engines and includes a spark plug for a complete ignition refresh.
Overview
This ignition coil module is a broadly compatible replacement for many Briggs & Stratton Quantum, Intek and Power Builder single-cylinder engines. It replaces numerous OEM numbers (796964, 555530, 695711, 692605, 802574 and others) and is commonly used across mowers, snowthrowers, blowers and small garden equipment.
What it delivers in practical terms
If your engine uses a straight HT lead versus a right-angle plug cap, check the lead orientation before removal; some buyers noted the replacement’s lead length or connector style differed from the original, requiring slight modification or reuse of the original cap for best sealing and fit.
Benefits, installation and durability notes
Long-term durability is generally acceptable for aftermarket coils, but as with all ignition parts, exposure to moisture, heat cycling and physical damage at the mounting points are common failure vectors — ensure good sealing and secure mounting when you fit the unit.
Limitations and buyer's checklist
Summary: choose this module when you need a reliable, widely compatible ignition replacement that restores starting performance on many Briggs single-cylinder engines. It’s especially suitable if you want a low-cost, high-impact repair for mowers and small power equipment.
MCHNIC Briggs & Stratton Ignition Coil
A straightforward, low-cost replacement that revives older Briggs & Stratton small engines reliably. You can expect good fitment for the listed model numbers and consistent starting behavior for routine yard use.
Overview
You get a no-frills ignition coil designed to replace common Briggs & Stratton part numbers used on small lawnmower engines. This unit targets older single-cylinder models (500E, 625EXi, 575EX and associated part numbers) so it’s ideal if you want to return a tired mower to service without paying OEM prices.
Key features and what you should expect
You should expect a solid spark restoration in most cases; user reports consistently mention the mower starting on the first pull after the swap. That indicates the unit does what it promises for compatible engines.
Benefits and practical notes
Be careful to confirm compatibility with your exact engine model and part number before purchase. While many users had a perfect fit, aftermarket substitutions occasionally require minor adjustments or shimming to match the original mounting and air-gap.
Limitations and buying tips
Summary: choose this coil if you want a budget-friendly replacement that restores starting performance on the specified Briggs engines. Confirm part numbers and be prepared for slight adjustments if your original hardware differs in connector style.
591459 Magneto Armature For Multiple Engines
This magneto armature covers a long list of Briggs & Stratton and Toro models, making it a convenient stocking part for varied equipment. Performance is generally good but reported fitment or spark issues mean you should verify model numbers carefully before buying.
Overview
This magneto armature/ignition coil replacement targets larger Briggs & Stratton L-head and OHV engines and many Toro lawn tractor models. It’s intended as a direct swap for a variety of part numbers (591459, 492341, 490586, 491312, 495859 and more) and ships with a spark plug to simplify installation.
Key features and compatibility notes
Because the compatibility list spans many generations and variations of small engines, you must cross-check the part number and physical dimensions against your original magneto before installing. The product page specifically cautions manual measurement to ensure correct fit.
Benefits and practical advice
However, some user reports indicate that swapping the magneto didn’t restore spark on every application — that often points to an incorrect variant, wiring differences, or additional faults in the ignition circuit (kill switch, wiring, or condenser) rather than the armature itself.
Limitations and troubleshooting tips
Summary: choose this armature if you need broad coverage for tractors and larger lawn engines and you’re comfortable verifying fit and completing minor wiring/boot adjustments. It’s a practical stocking part but demands careful cross-referencing and a bit of troubleshooting experience.
595304 Magneto Armature for Intek Engines
This magneto targets a long list of Intek/Briggs variants and is useful for 17–20 HP class engines found on riding mowers and larger push mowers. It’s broadly compatible but buyers should double-check socket sizes and plug cap compatibility to avoid fitment issues.
Overview
The 595304 magneto armature is an aftermarket replacement aimed at Intek/Briggs OHV engines in the mid- to high-HP range (17–20 HP and related model codes). It lists many fitments across Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, MTD and other manufacturers, making it a candidate for ride-on mower and larger push mower repairs.
Features and why it may suit your mower
This makes it useful for technicians and owners who service larger equipment and need a single SKU that covers many serial variants, but the broad compatibility also raises the importance of double-checking the physical plug socket and HT cap fit.
Practical guidance and limitations
Final assessment
Ignition Coil with Plug for GX Series Engines
This coil targets GX110–GX200 family engines and often resolves generator or rototiller no-starts quickly. Fitment may require light modification on non-identical models, so expect occasional grinding or trimming for a precise fit.
Overview
Designed for GX-series 5.5–6.5 hp small engines (GX110, GX120, GX140, GX160, GX200), this ignition coil + spark plug kit aims to restore ignition performance on generators, rototillers and small engines quickly. It’s a budget-friendly replacement intended for DIY troubleshooting of misfires and no-start conditions.
Features and practical expectations
Because some purchasers reported having to grind or slightly modify the unit to fit certain machines, you should inspect mounting boss alignment and the HT lead orientation before final tightening. If the coil’s spark cap doesn’t match your plug, keep your original cap or buy a matched cap to ensure a secure connection.
Benefits and cautions
If you need a precisely OEM-fit coil for a critical application, consider sourcing an OEM part; this aftermarket option is best when you prioritize cost and quick troubleshooting over factory-exact fit.
Final recommendation
FAQs
Start with simple checks: remove the spark plug, ground it against the engine block, and pull the starter. A strong, blue spark means the coil and plug are likely good. No or weak spark points to the coil or wiring. Also inspect the plug for fouling — a new plug is cheap and removes one variable. If you still have no spark after a new plug, the coil is the likely culprit.
A coil is the electronic component that generates the high-voltage spark; a magneto armature is the rotating magnet assembly that works with the stator on some engines. They are distinct parts and not interchangeable. Match the part type to your engine family (e.g., small Briggs Quantum vs. larger Intek OHV). Check model numbers and physical fit (mounting holes, plug cap orientation) before buying.
You can install most small-engine coils yourself with basic tools and a service manual or online diagram. Work safely: disconnect the spark plug wire, remove the blower housing or shroud, note gap and mounting position, swap the coil, set the air-gap per manual, and reassemble. If you’re uncomfortable with ignition timing or air-gap adjustments, a small shop can finish the job quickly.
Yes. A fresh plug removes uncertainty and ensures the new coil has the right load for a clean spark. Many replacement coils (like the top pick) include a plug for convenience. Use the plug type specified in your engine manual.
Very. Coil and magneto fitment depends on mounting hole spacing, lead length, plug cap style, and stator/magnet alignment. The 591459 and 595304 armatures cover long lists of models, but buyers report occasional fitment issues. Always cross-check your engine model/serial number and compare photos or dimensions before purchasing.
If you have a common small Briggs engine, swap in the Ignition Coil Module for Many Briggs Engines — it often resolves no-starts quickly and includes a plug. If your engine is one of the frequent Briggs & Stratton model numbers and you want a budget fix, the MCHNIC coil delivers reliable results for routine yard work.
Final Thoughts
Best overall: Ignition Coil Module for Many Briggs Engines (9/10) — Choose this if you run Quantum, Intek, Power Builder or similar Briggs small engines and want the most reliable, drop-in replacement. It has the strongest track record for improved starting and smoother running, and it even includes a spark plug so you get a complete ignition refresh.
Best value: MCHNIC Briggs & Stratton Ignition Coil (8/10) — Pick this if you use common Briggs & Stratton models and want a low-cost, dependable fix for routine yard work. It fits the usual model numbers well and restores consistent starting without a big investment.
Quick note: if you have larger Intek 17–20 HP engines or Toro/older Briggs models, keep the 591459 or 595304 magneto armatures in mind they offer broader compatibility for those bigger engines, but double-check socket and cap fit before buying.
