QuestionHi, I have a 17 HP B&S 311777. I can't get it to start at all. When I turn the key in the ignition, the starter solenoid will "spin" the engine but it does not attempt to turn over. It just spins until I release the ignition. I checked the fuses and the spark plug and found them both to be in good condition. Any ideas?
AnswerHello Jim:
>>From your Description it Sounds like there is a Bad Connection at 1 of the Safety Switches, a Safety Switch is Bad or a Bad Ign Coil. Usually it is a Switch or Connection.
>>Remove the Spark Plug and Check for Firing when you Engage the Starter and Turn the Engine.
>>The Following is an Instruction File I made for Checking the Coil on 1 and 2 Cylinder Engines. >>Some twin Cylinder Engines have 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 Threads 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.
>>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. If the Engine Quits, then Replace the Other Cylinders Coil.
>>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 Multimeter 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.
>>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. 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
