Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Kohler Lawn Mover does not start up, craftsman lawn mower, lawn movers

Question
Hi John,

I have a craftsman lawn mower model # 917-272066 serial # 071301D004093 with a Kohler 16 OHV engine model cv4605 – serial # 3118404983. The problem started when the lawn mover’s battery was being recharged with my car. I jumped the battery thinking that the battery was discharged. After several minutes of jumping the battery with my car, the tractor turn on, I took the jumping cables off the tractor battery but then, the tractor turn off again. When I tried to reconnect the jumping cables once again to the tractor’s battery to recharge it more, I made the mistake of connecting the jumping cables in the wrong position (-/+ in reverse) so sparks came off the battery connectors. From there on, the jumping/recharging did not work. The tractor and/or battery did not respond at all. I then decided to purchase a new battery. However, the problem now is that even with the new battery, the tractor is not turning on at all! The starter is totally dead. Please advice.


Answer
Hello Martha:

The Engine Model is a CV460S not CV4605. Have you Replaced the Fuse? You have Most likely Fried the Stator (Charger under the Flywheel) Also. Recharging the Battery using a Vehicle is Fine, Just Do Not Turn the Mowers Ign Switch On when Doing this. You can Jump Start a Mower using a Vehicle, However the Vehicles Engine Should Not Be Running when Doing this. You want to Use the Battery Only for Jumping. The Alternator on Most Vehicles are Now 68 Amp Minimum and the Mowers Stator is 26 Amp Maximum. If the Mowers Engine is Started while the Vehicle is Running, it Causes a Surge of Current to the Stator and Burns it Out. 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. 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 Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Your Engine May or May Not have a Voltage Regulator (Shown in IgnitionElectrical Breakdown, part#8). The Stator is Breakdown Part #15. Replace the Fuse. If No Difference, then Check the Solenoid and Starter. Use your Jumper Cable Set and Attach the Positive Lead Onto the Positive Post of the Battery ( make sure the Battery is Fully Charged or is a New Battery). Now Firmly Touch the Large Post on the Starter. If the Starter Turns the Engine Properly, Then Check the Solenoid. Firmly Touch the Small Post at the Base of the Solenoid. If The Starter Does Not Turn and the Solenoid Clicks, Then the Solenoid is Bad. If the Starter and Solenoid Test Good, then 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. To Check the Stator, Attach a Volt Meter to the Battery and Start the Engine. With the Engine at Full Throttle the Voltage at the Battery Should Show a Minimum of 12.8 VDC. If Less than 12.8 VDC, then the Stator or Regulator is Bad. 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 you Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John