QuestionMy craftsman lawnmower will not stop when safety handle is released. The cable that controls the kill switch and the switch seem to be fine. The switch moves when handle is released, but engine keeps running. Is there any adjustment to be made?
AnswerIf you have an Eager/Tecumseh engine, then one of 2 items could cause your problem. Either the shut-off cable is not releasing all the way, commonly caused by age/dirt/general use, or the switch is not working.
The wire running to the switch could be broke or the switch could be broke. The switch is located under the flywheel on Eager/Tecumseh engines. You need a flywheel puller to remove the flywheel. Once the flywheel is off, then you can see the switch. I have found broken switches a couple of times.
The flywheel is the large, round aluminum piece with fins on the top. You have to remove the starter and engine shroud top to gain access to the flywheel. The flywheel nut is very tight, usually requiring an impact gun or a strap wrench holding the flywheel to remove the nut.
On re-assembly, make sure the spark plug is removed, and the engine shut-off handle is SQUEEZED!! If not, the flywheel will hit the engine brake pad, damaging the part. Trust me...you will only make this mistake once.
Hopefully this is enough info to solve your problem. It is an easy fix, you just may need some special tools to gain access to the switch.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Eric
