QuestionI have a Gravely Pro150 walk-behind mower with a Kawasaki engine FC420V, E/No: FC420V192171, Code: FC420V-AS15
I started it for the first time this season and it ran for about 10 minutes, then stopped by itself while I was cutting as if the ignition key had just been turned to off. I did not hit anything but grass.
I have done the following: replaced the gas with fresh gas, checked the flow of fuel to the carb, checked the oil level (it's full), replaced the sparkplug, replaced the coil (along with the sparkplug boot) and igniter, checked all of the safety switches (2 handles, neutral start, PTO, ignition key - all are operating properly), checked that the flywheel spindle key has not been sheared off. Also, I checked with a spark tester (Harbor Freight model - don't know how good that is - tried it with my weed wacker, which runs, and it was dim too) and there is no spark. I also took the plug out and tried starting the engine while grounding the plug on the engine - still no spark.
Before I replaced the coil, I tried the spark tester and could see a very faint spark when in total darkness. After I replaced the coil, then the igniter, both times could see no spark in total darkness.
I didn't check every single wire between each switch and the next point that it connects to, but I've checked a number of them. In connection with that, I disconnected the ground wire after the igniter (i.e. working backwards toward the key switch), with the idea that I'm circumventing the safety switches, and it still will not start and gets no spark.
Before I dump this mower, is there anything else that I should check?
Answer
test
Greg
Have you checked the kill switch? When you see no spark that means that something is grounded on the coil. make sure yo disconnect the kill switch from the coil to the key switch or the ground on the engine. Hold the spark plug wire near the tip of the plug. If you don't get a spark hold it near the bottom of the plug. If you get a spark then it's the pug. If you still don't get a spark then it's the coil.Most of the Kawisaki engines had a small module that was mounted on the side of the engine that worked in conjuction with the coil. Check to make sure that the coil is properly grounded and that the kill switch on the throttle plate (where the throttle cable attaches to the engine) is working properly and not stuck closed. Also try disconneting that module and see if there is spark. The ignitions were pretty good, I've seen more problems with the coils.
