Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Replacing Engine in Craftsman Lawn Tractor, craftsman lawn tractor, sectional index

Question
QUESTION: Hello John:

We have a Craftsman Lawn Tractor 12HP Model 917.255510. The engine was a Craftsman Engine: 12HP OHV (made by Tecumseh) Model No. 143.416012, Ser. No. 1081D. The engine had quite a hole in the block when we acquired it. We had a Briggs 14.5HP OHV Mod. 287707 Type 0224-01 Code 960319ZD which fits perfect mechanically, but the wiring is messed up and we can’t figure it out. Can you help? The new engine has some kind of electrical whatever on the fuel bowl and there are two wires coming from under the cowling. I’m thinking one for the alternator and one for the kill switch. We have a new Ignition Switch Part # 102972X, 5 Terminal. Thank you Fred Armani


ANSWER: Hello Fred:

The Electrical Whatever on the Carburetor Fuel Bowl is a Anti-Diesel Solenoid. This is Wired so it has Current when the Ign Switch is in the "On" and the Spring Loaded "Start" Position. The Easiest Way to Wire the Shut Off and Charging Circuits is to Remove the Blower Housing (Metal Engine Cover). Then you can See the Location of the Shut Off Terminal (on the Ign Coil) and the Charging Leads from Under the Flywheel. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine 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 and Enter the Model (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Example: 287707-0224. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Select Sectional Index. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. You will Require a Multimeter or Volt Meter to Make Sure the Wires from the Ign Switch are Wired Correctly to the Engine. I Used to Use the Color Codes of the Wires, but the Color Codes May Not be the Same as Indicated in the Electrical Schematic. To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action?sid=PSHx20080114x00001 and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists for you Equipment Using the "View Sub Components" Section Near the Bottom Left. 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

Hello Again Fred:

I Forgot to Tell you. For Wiring the Stator/Charging Coil Use this Site Addy; 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 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: John: Thank you for the rapid and very helpful response. I have the wiring done except for the stator. The two wires are from the stator and apparently one is DC and the other AC. The Tractor we put the engine in does not have a need for AC so what do I do with it? Will it hurt to just leave it disconnected or will I have to change the Stator to have a charging system? Thank you Fred

Answer
Hello Again Fred:

Make Sure the AC Wire is Out of the Way and will Not Become Damaged. Since it is Not Required on this Unit it is Not Going to Damage Anything to Leave it Disconnected. Wire the DC Lead so the Battery is Charging Properly and you are Finished. Please, Do Not Hesitate, 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. 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