QuestionQUESTION: I put a brand new electric start motor on my sons go-cart (10 Hp tecumseh)but i can't get the ignition to work and it wont start with pulling it either. All part of the wiring are new
What I've done so far. I wired all components as i thought they should be. From the battery to the solenoid, to the starter and ignition. Batter is fully charged-(runs lights.) I don't know what maybe wrong. Jumping the solenoid turned the starter motor. Start is good. When i turn the key nothing happens. I've tried a voltammeter on the solenoid but don't know what to look for. Also when i pull start the motor it doesn't even seem as if it fires. So don't know if there is a kill switch i don't know about on the motor itself- Right under the throttle there is a green wire that is connected to some clip that when the throttle is fully released it lightly touches the green wire. Maybe to ground out? Can you help me with the basics of wiring this type motor from scratch? Again all parts are new and seem in working order.
ANSWER: Hello Michael:
With a Litttle More Information, I Think I can Help. Send me the Make and Model of the Go-Cart and the Model and Specification Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manuals and Better Assist you. It Sounds like a Safety Switch Problem, but I would like to See a Breakdown/IPL to be Sure. 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: John,
Tecumseh 10 hp electric start engine OH318EA is the model of the motor. Thanks for helping me on this my son is really wanting to ride his gocart again, Go dad... I've found some very generic wiring diagrams on the Internet, however it makes no reference to that green wire on the motor itself mentioned earlier. Also do you know if this motor has some sort of compression release. The motor turns over almost to easy when i pull it, the 6.5 HP motor i pulled off the go cart pulled like an ox, if you caught it wrong, when it came to the compression stroke it'd almost pull your hand off. I expected more from the 10hp. Could this be a symptom? I have a compression tester, do you know what it should read for this type motor?
AnswerHello Again Michael:
Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). The Wire on the Coil/Ign Module is the Shut Off Wire. The Wire on the Ign Switch that is Grounded when the Ign Switch is in the Off Position and Not Grounded when in the Run Position is Where This Wire is Connected. You should have a Wire from the Battery to the Hot/Battery Post of the Ign Switch. A Wire from the Ign/Start Post (hot when in the Spring loaded start position) to the Starter Solenoid (small Post). You Might Want to Check the Valve Clearance. OHV Engines have a Problem with the Adjustments and have to be Reset Every 100 to 150 Hours of Operation. **I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center (Both Rocker Arms will have Play in them when the Engine is at TDC) When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .007in - .009in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke.** A Compression Tester is Useless on the Newer Engines Unless you Loosen the Exhaust Rocker Arm Enough so the Compression Release System Does Not Function. All the OHV Engines have this Release System. The Compression on Any Small Engine Including Trimmers and Chainsaws is No Less then 80psi. 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
