QuestionI have a 6 year old Cub Cadet LT1018 with the B&S ELS500 18.5hp engine; it's a replacement (the first one seized up after two years). Today, the mower ran fine and cut half our yard. After stopping for a few minutes, it refused to restart. The engine cranks, but never turns over. I don't believe this is a gas issue, as the gas in the tank is new and gas is getting into the carburetor. (Also, a squirt of starter fluid has no measurable effect.)
The battery is new this season, as is the spark plug. I pulled the boot off the plug and carefully held the exposed wire near the engine while turning the key. As the engine cranks, I initially detected no spark. However, after moving into the garage to avoid the rain, I saw a very, very minuscule spark. I suspect the magneto-armature (aka, the coil) is bad but I don't know how to test this. Of course, I could just order a new one, but if it's not this part, I've wasted $30+ and a week.
Also, if it does turn out to be this part, I'm concerned about getting the alignment right. Is this a repair I just need to let the shop deal with?
AnswerHello Ed:
>>From your Description it can be the Coil going Bad or 1 of the Safety Switches has a Bad/Loose Connection or a Safety Switch is Bad.
>>1- >>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.
>>2- To Check the Coil/s (this file is for 1 or 2 Coils)
>>Remove the Spark Plugs and Wrap the Threaded Section of the Plug with Wire, then Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block.
>>**First Make Sure the Plastic End that Snaps to the Plug is Allowing Current to the Plug. Use a Test Light or Multimeter and Check for Fire Behind this Connector (through the Large Rubber like Coil Lead to Plug) for Fire to the Plug whenever there is No Fire to the Plug.**
>>Once you are Sure the Coil Lead and Ends to the Plug are Not the Reason for No Fire to the Plug, then with the Plug Still Wired to the Engine and the Coil Lead Attached to the Plug; Remove the Coil Shut Off Wire at the Shut Off Switch.
>>Check for Fire. If No Fire, then Remove the Cut Off Wire from the Coil (removal of the blower housing required) and Check for Fire.
>>If the Spark Plugs are Firing with the Plugs Out and Properly Grounded to the Engine, then Replace the Plugs and Start the Engine.
>>Operate the Unit until the Cylinder Starts Missing, then
>>Using an Insulated Plug Wire Puller, Pull the Plug Wire from 1 Cylinder. If the Engine Continues to Run, then Replace the Plug Wire and Disconnect the Other Plug Wire.
>>Even if there is No Fire to 1 of the Plugs,
>>Switch the Coils and Start the Engine. If the Dead Cylinder Changes, then
>>Replace the Coil.
>>If the Same Cylinder is Still the 1 that Misses, then
>>Check the Valves and Valve Seats in the Cylinder Head of the Dead Cylinder.
>>If the Engine has 1 Coil with 2 Leads, then
>>If No Fire to 1 of the Plugs,
>>Replace the Coil.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I Hope to be Here if You Require More
Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please.
>>Have a Happy Holiday Weekend and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 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. Comments and Ratings are
Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
