QuestionQUESTION: I have a 38" Craftsman riding mower model #917.254520 with a B&S 12 hp motor, model #284707. My dilemma is, if the motor doesn't start on the first attempt it won't start for a day or more. It acts like there is an open relay. The motor won't even turn over after the first failed attempt. I've looked at the wiring and all seems good. I did a meter check on the battery which is approx 2 years old and it is holding a charge fine. Thinking because the ignition switch was sloppy and at times would stick, I replaced it, that didn't fix my problem. Thanks in advance for any help.
Jay
ANSWER: Hello Jay:
You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the B. Then Select Briggs and Stratton. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Select the File # 25. Then Select the Folder # 252700. Can you Explain in More Detail what the Engine is Doing After the First Attempt to Start it, Please? Is the Starter Engaging and the Engine Not Turning? Is the Starter Solenoid Clicking? Is there Any Response from the Engine at All when the Ign Switch is Turned to the Start Position? Thanks.
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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi John,
I got your pdf file ok. As for the starter and solenoid, there is no sound at all coming from either. As I mentioned in my first email, the system is completely dead. What is most bothersome is I can't believe it is a safety switch as it will start when left alone. Although it is like it needs time to reset or whatever it is doing before it will attempt to start again. It started today, but as usual it didn't start first attempt. I just bumped it and wasn't ready on the throttle. I noticed the light harness had got against the exhaust and melted a bit so I cut and taped the ends for now. It may have been causing a dead short. I then used a wire from the battery to the starter and the motor barely turned over. I wonder if the battery has a bad cell or something and doesn't have proper cranking power to start it cause I hooked jumper cables up to the car/mower and it started right up. Really confused at this time cause with the battery being dead theory it has started right away as long as I ready with the throttle choked. I hope this is understandable cause I know I have a few thoughts jumbled together in the above. Thinking about anything that could be causing this is all. Thanks again.
Jay
AnswerHello Jay:
Thanks for the Extra Information. Have the Battery Load Tested. Usually your Local Automotive Parts Retailer can Perform this Test for you at Little to No Charge. Most Advance, NAPA, Auto Zone and a Few Other Load Test Batteries for No Charge Around here. Check the Fuse or Fuse Link and Make Sure it has Not Blown/Melted. Check and Clean All the Battery and Harness Ground Connections. Since you are Working on the Unit it Only Takes about 1 Hour to Do the Grounds, Fuse and Fuse Link. Pull on the Fuse Link. If the Rubber Shield Stretches, then the Link has Blown and Require Replacing. If it Does Not, then the Link is Usually Good. The Fuse Link is Usually Near the Power Supply Wire to the Ign Switch or Near the Ign Switch itself. Was the Wire you Used, a Battery Cable Wire? Small Wire Does Not Conduct Enough Current to Properly Turn the Starter. Like you I Always Suspect the Battery with a Problem like this One. Not Knowing the Wire Size and Assuming you Used a Battery Jumper Cable, It is Either the Battery, the Starter, The Valves Valve Clearances, the Ground Connections or the Fuse/Fuse Link. If the Engine was Turning 3/4 Turn Normal and 1/4 Stops or Drags, then I would say the Valve Clearance. I Tried to Let you Know the Possible Causes for this Problem if the Battery and Starter are Good. 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
