Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Yardman electric motor chute crank (not working), yardman, variable power

Question
QUESTION: I have checked the voltage going to the motor and it's about 3.3 to 3.7 volts DC depending on engine speed.  What is this voltage supposed to be?  If this is not the right voltage then its a problem with the generating system.  If it is then it's probably the motor which I could check with a variable power supply.  My Yardman model is: 31AH5C3F401
Thank You Ray


ANSWER: Hello Again Ray:

If the Voltage was Lower than 12.5 VDC, then the Engine Charging System is Not Operating Correctly. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Unit at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (MTD)  and Enter the Model Numbers 31AH5C3F401. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Unit you Wish to View. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers HMSK85-155906 (this is supposed to be the engine on this unit). Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. I Used the HMSK85-155906B Engine File for a Reference. From your  Description it Sounds like the Charging Coil/Stator/Alternator Requires Replacing. There is No Voltage Regulator on the Engine. The Charging Coil/Stator/Alternator has a Built in Regulator. To Test the Charging Coil/Stator/Alternator; Most Stators can be Tested Using the Guide at the Following Site Addy; For Testing the Electrical (Charging) System on Mowers you can Use this Site Addy; http://faqs.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faqs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3438&p and Use the Link for AC Volts/DC Amps Meter Setting Chart. This is for Briggs Engines and Works Well for Kohler and Other Engine OEMs. If the Charging Coil/Stator/Alternator Tests Good and the Wire Leads to the Motor are God and Not Cracked or Showing Bare Wire Anywhere, then the Chute Motor Requires Replacing. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf  .  This Site Addy; http://www.outdoordistributors.com/Tecumseh/tmain.html has a Link to a PDF Trouble-Shooting Guide. Simply Select the Free PDF Download for the Tecumseh Trouble-Shooting Guide. 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 10 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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I applied voltage to the motor from a 5 to 6 amp 12 volt power supply and it did not move the gear, it seemed to be locked up.  So it appears that both the motor and the motor electrical charging system is not working properly.

My question is would it be cheaper to convert the unit back to a manual hand crank system?  If so could you lead me to a diagram that would have a manual crank that would work on my unit.

Thanks a bunch for your quick response
Ray


Answer
Hello Again Ray:

A Manual Chute is Definitely Cheaper. I Could Not Believe the Price of these Chute Motors. I Found Prices Ranging from 207.01 thru 256.79 on the Internet. You can Contact MTD at 1-800-269-6215 at during the following times: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 11am-3pm EST. (SEASONAL HOURS MAY VARY) and Explain you want to Change from your Unit from Electric to Manual Chute and would Like to Know if a Manual Chute Adapter kit is Available or if you can Purchase the Parts Separately to Make the Require Change. From what I have Seen and Heard About the Electric Chute Systems so Far, I Suggest you Make the Change to Manual even if the Cost is a Little More than a Motor. You will Find that in the Long Haul, you will be Better off. 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. I Hope you Had 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 10 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