QuestionYes Eric, I am showing correct voltage there. The mower has been sitting for awile before someone gave it to me. I cleaned some of the electrical connections and now the starter will turn over but I have no spark or any indication that current is reaching the plug wire. This is a Craftsman 12hp riding mower with the B&S model 281707 type 0412 engine. Is there a way to test the magneto for resistance?There is a 2-pin female connector coming out of the wiring harness that plugs into a male connector that I imagine is connected to the stator. How can I check to see if these components are operating correctly? Should I show voltage if I connect a voltmeter to the female (harness side)of this 2-pin connector and turn the key to start?-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hello Eric,
I have a 12 hp Craftsman riding mower and the starter appears to be dead. If I connect an ohmeter to the positive connection on the starter and the other on the mounting bracket of the starter (ground), should it show resistance?
Answer -
One would think so. Do you have a voltmeter option on your meter?
If so, measure the battery voltage. Next, follow the positive battery cable from the battery to the solenoid. There should be a small wire, exciter, on the solenoid. Use your meter to check for 12 volts DC. You should have voltage when you turn the key to the start position.
If there is no voltage, then a fuse is blown or, more likely, a safety switch is preventing voltage from reaching the exciter terminal.
Let me know what you find and what else you have checked.
Eric
AnswerIf you remove the blower sheet metal housing, you will see the ignition coil. Dis-connect the small wire connected to the bottom or side of the ignition module.
Check for spark with the spark plug removed and the ignition module wire dis-connected. If you have spark then the module is fine and you have a bad safety switch/connection causing your problem.
Let me know what you find.
Eric
