QuestionHello, John. I have a 2 year old Craftsman tractor, model 917.27682, B&S 20 h.p. engine. For the first time ever, last week, it mysteriously failed to start; when I turned the key, it would not turn over, would not make so much as a whirr, buzz or click. Just dead. That day, I (foolishly) replaced the battery, and it started fine on that day.
One week later, though, the same thing--dead again. It does start fine when I jump it from my car, and then it runs fine, but right after I turn it off after running it for a while, it does click and buzz, but the starter motor doesn't have enough juice to turn the engine.
What could it be?
Where I live, the repairman will surely gouge me, and I'd much rather swap out a few parts randomly to fix the problem than pay hundreds for a visit from a repairman.
Kind thanks, Peter
AnswerHello Again Peter:
I Just Read your Comments and Ratings. Thanks. No Worries. I Do Not Usually Take a Break Until December 20th. Unless Something Major Happens, I Should be Around for your Follow-up. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
Hello Peter:
From your Description, it Sounds Like the Stator Is Not Charging. Was the Vehicle Running When you Jumped the Mower? If Yes, the the Stator or Voltage Regulator May be Fried. You can Jumper from a Vehicle ONLY if the Vehicle is NOT Running. If the Vehicle is Running the Alternator on the Vehicle will Push Voltage Back on the Stator/Alternator of the Mower and Damage the Stator/Voltage Regulator or Alternator. This Engine has Either the Alternator (Stator with Built in Regulator) or a Stator with an External Regulator. 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 31P977-0635. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. To Check the Charging of the Alternator or a Stator. Start the Mower and After the Warm Up Period, Rev the Engine to Full Throttle. Use a Volt Meter Check the Voltage at the Battery. If the Battery Woltage is Less than 13.2 VDC, then the Alternator/Stator/Voltage Regulator is Bad. If the Engine has a Voltage Regulator, thenDisconnect the Regulator and Check the Voltage Out of the Stator. It Should be Between 15 Volts to 18 Volts. 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
