Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD LX178, jumper wire, safety switches

Question
Just picked up a JD LX178 - engine turns over but does not start. Thinking its not safety switches if it turns over.Wondering if there is a common fail part in the ignition system of this product.
working to get it running for spring
Thanks for any info you can provide

Answer
Hello Sandy:

>>On Some Models, the Safety Switches Prevent the Engine from Starting, Not Stopping the Starter from Turning the Engine.
>>The Following is an Instruction File for the Safety Switch System. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>The Color Code of the Wires May be Different than those I Use as a Reference in the Instruction File.
>>**PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHECKING THE SAFETY SWITCHES IS JUST THAT!!! FOR CHECKING ONLY.
>>I NEVER Suggest a Mower be Operated with a Safety Device or Switch Disconnected or Bypassed.
>>**Now. On Some Model Mowers you can Simply Unplug the Safety Switch from the Harness. On Other Models you have to Place a Jumper Wire Between the Harness Terminals (on the 4 Post Switch (Clutch/Brake) Jumper from Same Color Wire (Example: White to White) First and then Check for Fire, Now Include the Black to Black Wires if No Fire. Check the Clutch/Brake and the Blade/PTO Safety Switches First.  Then Check the Oil Guard Switch (if Applicable). Check the Seat Safety Last. Usually the Seat Safety is Not in the System for Starting the Engine. Just to Ensure Someone is in the Seat when Engaging the Transaxle and/or Blades. Use a Paper Clip or a Short Wire to Make a Jumper.**  
>>Use a Multi-meter and Check the Continuity of the Switch. The Meter should Show when the Contacts are Closed and Open. The Meter will Swing All the Way Over when the Switch Contacts are Closed and Swing Back to the Rest Point when the Switch Contacts are Open.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers LX178 and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. *You can Drag the View Windows for Better Viewing.*
>>If the Safety Switches Check Good, then
>>Check the Coil and Ignitor (if Applicable).
>>I Suggest you Check the Ign Module First and then the Safety Switches if the Ign Module (Coil) is Good. Remember that the Ign Module May Check Good, but if the Safety Switches Check Good, then Most likely the Coil is in the Early Stages of Breaking Down and will Cause this Problem.
>>You can Check the Ign Coil by Using the Following Instruction File Unless there is an Ignitor.
The Following is an Instruction File I Made for Checking and Repairing this Problem.
>>Run the Engine Until it Quits, then Remove the Spark Plug. Wrap a Wire Around the Threads and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block Turn the Engine and See if the Plug Fires.
>>If No, then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire  at the Control Bracket First, Check for Fire at the Plug. If Still No Fire at the Plug; Then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire at the Coil (usually requires removal of the blower housing) and Check for Fire at the Plug.
>>If No Fire at the Plug , then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. The Coil/Ign Module to Flywheel Gap is .020in.
>>On Some Model JD Engines, there is a Igniter that Goes Bad and Not the Coil. The Igniter is the Same as an Ignition Module. If the Plug Fires at Anytime During these 2 Checks, then a Safety Switch or Wire May be the Problem. Yes, On Some Model Units the Engine will Turn Even with a Bad Seat Safety Safety Switch.  
>>The Starter Turns and the Engine Doesn't Fire is an Indication of a Bad Coil/Ign Module,Ignitor or a Faulty Blade/Clutch/Brake Safety Switch.
>>On Some Models, the Blade and Clutch Safety Switches Prevent the Starter from Engaging so the Blades or the Mower Does Not Move when the Starter Turns the Engine.
>>If there is an Ignitor, then take the Coil and Ignitor Off the Unit and have a JD Service Center Check these for you with their Tester.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Follow Up Questions are Received Anytime. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John