Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S 13.5hp Start Problem, craftsman model, jumper wires

Question
I have a 2004 Craftsman Model 536.270282 riding mower with a rear engine B&S 13.5hp I/C Model 28R707 Type 1120-E1 Code 030906ZE engine that I cannot start normally.  The mower did not die, but the problem presented when trying to start for a roughly weekly mow.  I have followed instructions from previous posts and have narrowed the issue somewhat.  I can get a spark by disconnecting the black wire to the magneto/armature either at the wire harness connector near the starter or at the magneto/armature near the flywheel.  In fact I can start and run the engine by disconnecting at either location, but cannot stop the engine w/o reconnecting the black wire via the wire harness plug or pulling the spark plug cap.

I have clamped the 3 kill switches closed and have also used 3 jumper wires to jump each plug but with no luck w/ the black wire connected.  One other note, with the black wire disconnected I still must depress the clutch kill switch and the blade kill switch to get the engine to start; it doesn’t matter what position the seat kill switch is in.  I think this must mean the switches are okay?  One previous answer states that in my situation a “Safety Switch or Wire may be the problem.”  Can you elaborate?  The wire harness appears to be sheathed in a corrugated plastic tube and looks fine.  The black wire enters a 6 post plug with an orange and a red wire (apparently from the alternator?).  The red wire connects to a red wire on the other side, the orange wire dead ends and the black wire connects to a yellow wire.  Any further instructions would be greatly appreciated.


Answer
Hello Dan:

Go to this Site Addy, http://www3.sears.com/ and Enter the Model Numbers in the Upper Left Search Box and Click Go. Then Visually Verify the Equipment and Click Continue. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. Select the Electrical Diagram. The Problem is in the Safety Switches or the Harness. The Safety System Grounds the Coil/Ign Module so it Can Not Fire the Plug. **Check the Seat Safety Switch.** Here is the Instructions for Checking the Safety Switches. Be Sure to Check One at a Time and Replace the Safety Switch Back Into the Harness Connector when that Switch has been Checked. 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 Jumper from Same Color Wire to Same Color Wire). Check the Clutch/Break and the Blade/PTO Safety Switches First. 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. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John