QuestionQUESTION: i have a 14.5 hp 42 inch cut king by mtd lawntractor model#135m675g205 it won't start i think it's one of the switches i tape the plunger buttons down to try to bypass it but it didn't work what do you think it might be or maybe i did it wrong please help me thank you.
ANSWER: Hello George:
You need to Check for Fire at the Spark Plug. 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. If the Plug is Firing, then First, Pour a Small Amount of Gas Into the Carburetor Throat while the Throttle at Full. With the Throttle at Full, Try to Start the Engine. If the Engine Starts and Quits, then Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidential Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. If the Plug is Firing and the Carburetor is Clean, then you need to Check the Valve Clearance. 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 .003in -.005in and the Exhaust to .008in - .010in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: hi, john this is george again i ask you about my mtd lawn tractor a couple of days ago it was about not being able to start it well i put jumper wires to bypass it ,spark has fire,its getting gas but it still wont start all it does is click,the starter is fine,thesolenoid is fine no blown fuse,it was working fine just a few days prior what else do you think it could be if you could help i would appreciate it very much . THANK YOU,GEORGE
AnswerHello Again George:
Remove the Belts from the Engine Pulley. Does the Engine Turn? If Yes, then Check the Pulleys and Idlers. If No, then Check the Crankcase Oil for Gas Contamination. Is the Crankcase Over Filled with Oil and Have a Gas Smell to It? Usually the Valve Clearance, Binding Starter, Weak/Bad Battery, Crankcase Over Filled, a Bad Idler or Pulley are the Primary Causes for the Problem you Described. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
