Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
just got a used mtd yard machine with 12.5 hp briggs and it ran for about 5 minutes then died and now it isnt getting fire to the plug not sure if electrical problem or just engine not fireing
Answer -
Open the mower hood and follow the throttle cable down to the engine block. Do you see a wire connected to a terminal on the engine?
Let me know.
Eric
no there isnt a wire connected there is wires on the frame in a terminal
Answer -
The first item we want to check is the ignition coil. To check the coil you will need to remove the engine blower/fan shroud assembly that is located on top of the engine. There should be 4 bolts, the oil dip stick clamp and starter cover that need to be removed. One the shroud is removed you can see the coil. Remove the small black wire connected to the coil. This is a push-on type connector so you should be able to remove the wire by gently pulling on the connector.
With the ground wire removed from the coil, remove the spark plug and crank the engine. If you have a spark tester install it between the spark plug wire and engine ground. If you do not have a tester you can connect the spark plug to spark plug wire and then touch the spark plug to the metal engine and crank the engine. This is not as accurate but usually works.
If you see spark with the coil wire dis-connected then the coil is probably good...a spark tester will tell you for sure. I've used the spark plug method many times and have only found one or two coils that were bad.
If you have spark with the coil ground wire dis-connected then the coil is good and there is a safety switch problem on the mower.
Let me know what you find.
Eric
disconnected wire motor started right up what should i look for next
AnswerThere are several safety switches to check. There should be a switch on the seat, clutch/transmission and mower deck.
One method of checking switches is to follow the main harness to the switches. Make sure the switches are connected to the wires...we often find wires that fell off. You may also find wires that have rubbed against metal parts causing the wire insulation to have a hole in it...usually you can feel a hole in the wire insulation; check the insulation very carefully where the wire runs through a hole in the mower frame.
You may also want to dis-connect and re-connect the switches...again we often find dirty connections as the problem.
Do you have an ohm meter or continunity tester?
Let me know.
Eric
