Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Riding mower, craftsman riding mower, spark plug wire

Question
John- Im not getting a return e-mail from you on my latest questions. I have the riding mower 502.255020 that I got from my dad. I have gotten to the coil/ignition module you were talking about. Where the spark plug wire goes. It has one other wire going to it in which you said to disconnect that wire and another wire at the throttle control bracket. Where exactly would that be. Another question. If the safety switches were bad would the engine turn over at all? I don't know if I said earlier but when the battery was charged the engine would turn over but not start. I have taken the coil/ignition module off and weather I replace with a new one or reuse the old one what is the gap I need to use.Do you think the coil/ignition module is bad?

Answer
Hello David:

I Do Not Understand Why you are Not Receiving the Answers. I have Answered them Each Time.  NO Worries. If you are DIsconnecting the Shut Off Wire at the Coil/Ign Module, then Do Not Worry about the Throttle Control Bracket Wire Connection. What I was Saying is Disconnect the Control Bracket Shut Off Wire First, Check for Fire at the Plug. If Still No Fire at the Plug; Then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire at the Coil and Check for Fire at the Plug. If No Fire at the Plug , then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. The Coil/Ign Module to Flywheel Gap is .020in. If the Plug Fires at Anytime During these 2 Checks, then a Safety Switch or Wire May be the Problem. Yes the Engine will Turn Even with a Bad Safety Switch. The Blade Safety is Usually the Cause of this. The Starter Turns and The Engine Doesn,t Fire is and Indication of a Bad Coil/Ing Module or a Fauly Blade Safety Switch. The Clutch Safety Prevents the Starter from Engaging so the Mower Does Not Move when the Starter Turns the Engine. The Seat Safety is Designed to Stop the Engine if the Blades are Engaged or the Clutch Safety is Not Engaged when you Leave the Seat. I have Included the Email Question I Received from you at the End of this One for you to Review. I am Only Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day and Usually Max Out Early. My New Day Starts at 9pm EST (US) and The Site Allows Me 10 More Questions to Answer. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS I Hope you Dont Mind, but I liked the Way I Described the Coil Test that I made a File to Copy and Post when I Require it Again. Thanks for Making Me Look at the Coil/Ing Module Instructions and Improving on them. Thanks Again.

Respectfully

John

**********David
Category:  Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)
Private:  No     View Published Answer
 
Subject:  Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower
Question:  Hello John- I am only able to read some of your answer about my question. When you say to disconnect the shut off wire from coil/ignition module what exactly are you saying. I looked at the engine diagram but not really understanding. Is there another word that would be listed other than the coil/ignition module. Sorry but I just wanted to make sure. Thanks,David
 
Answer:  Hello David:

The Coil is the Ignition Module/Magneto/Igniter. It is the Component Located Next to the Flywheel and has the Spark Plug Wire Coming Out of it. The Wire for the Shut Off has 2 Connection you Need to Disconnect. the 1st is Located at the Throttle Control Bracket. The 2nd is Where the Shut Off Wire Connects to the Coil. I am Including a Copy of Our Last Email for you to View Again. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

**David
Category:  Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)
Private:  No     View Published Answer

Subject:  Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower
Question:  Hi- My Dad gave me a Craftsman Riding lawn mower last week. The model # is 502.255020 and the engine is a Tecumseh #143.426072.It is an early 90's model. He gave it to me because it would not start so I brought to where I work and let the mechanic look at it if he had time. The problem is not the engine would barely turn over so the first thing he did was check battery and he said was bad. He charged it up so he could continue is diagnosis. After that the engine would turn over but not start. He took out spark plug to see if there was fire. No fire.He changed spark plug. No fire.He check the safety switch under the seat and said it was good. Also check the 15 amp fuse. Good. That is as far as he got before I got tired of waiting and I took the mower home.Now I need advice on what to try next. I have the complete owners manual with all parts list including breakdowns on engine, starter, etc.Any ideas?

Answer:  Hello David:

Remove the Shut Off Wire from the Coil/Ignition Module. Does the Engine Fire? If Yes, then a Safety Switch is Bad. If No, then the Coil/Ignition Module is Bad. The First Safety Switch to Check is the Clutch/Brake. 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. Check the Clutch/Break and the Blade/PTO Safety Switchs 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