I have a John deere 317 tractor that does not start.

We will be testing for voltage to the points, coil, engine to tractor wiring harness, ignition switch

Tools needed:
volt meter to read 12 volts, or test light

1) with the points open: is there voltage at the connection wire at the points
If yes; adjust points to .020" and try to crank engine and check for spark
*** you may want to determine if condensor is connected to this wire also
if no
2) check point side (neg or - ) of coil for voltage
if yes, engine should start
if no
3) check for voltage at the + side of coil
If yes, coil is bad
if no
4) check wire connector from engine to frame wiring harness
if yes; engine should start

if no
5) check wiring on the back of ignition switch
if yes; engine should start

if no
6) check that ignition switch RED or BATTERY supply wire has voltage
if yes; switch is bad

if no
7) check supply wire and circuit breaker connected to the battery side of the solenoid
if yes; engine should start

if no; circuit breaker could be at fault or wire connector at battery supply