Radio Shack can be a pain to deal with, they will likely try to sell you a cell phone before they let you go...They should have a diode that will work in your application. It would help to select one that has a white band on one end, that is the end that should face toward the battery. I would think that a two amp rating, at 12V would be good for a small engine charging circuit. I would think that a "diode wire" from an old coil would work fine, so long as the polarity is set up to match.

and here's a link to some interesting info on small engine ignition systems, rusty - may help in some of your "rescue" projects.

Here is a link that might be useful: engine ignition systems

You guys just don't know how to deal with the youngsters. You're supposed to stand there and send em' text messages to their smart phones!

Hi Rustyj,

a friend has a YT-16H Ford with the 2 diode arrangement- 1 for charger, 1 for lights. I replaced his charge diode successfully with a Radio Shack 276-1661 50v 6Amp diode. Works perfect and now he has 3 spares. They come in a 4 pack for less than 3 dollars.

Hope this helps,
Terry

Thanks for all the help, folks! I have a friend who is well-versed in the lawn tractor type of B&S engines. He got me connected the right way. It starts and runs, and shuts down with the key, so all is well. And moves, too.
Next thing is a C-man lawn tractor that all four of the engine mounting bolts fell out, and the engine jumps around when trying to start it. Got it in trade on a newer machine.
Yesterday, i got 4 freebies, and one today. Also 2 boxes of oil, grease, parts, etc. from an old guy who got his self stuffed in a nursing home! I am keeping away from his relatives! WOO-HOO!!