well. we're two for two on this posting of problems solved. to recap, was able to crank engine and trace power very well everywhere, but no spark. as it turned out it was the same as astrodogg71 had reported, the wires on the pulser coil were reversed. the twist was that the stator/pulser coil had connector plugs attached, so from the aftermarket supply things are not always the same as oem. it's catching a little backfire, but according to the supplier it may be the stator, the mechanic is going to check carburator before replacing stator at no expense thanks to supplier. the machine has been sitting since may or june. anyway, thanks for the help guys...........