QuestionQUESTION: John, I have a 42" Craftsman riding mower purchased in 2000 with a B&S 19.5 hp engine, model 42E707, Type 2631E3, Code 0002215B. I am unable to start the engine this spring. I started the engine briefly 2 months ago. It was a little rough starting then. As I went to start it this spring it tried to start once and then quit. The battery was weak, so I replaced it and replaced the spark plugs. The engine is not even trying to start now. I checked the carburetor and it has fuel showing in it. I removed the filter and cranked it and fuel sprays out a little so I believe it is getting adequate fuel. I removed the plug, reattached it to the plug wire and cranked the engine and cannot see any spark. Looking at the manuals, it looks like the electrical system consists of batteries, solenoids, a magneto and some safety switches. I replaced the seat safety switch and still the engine will crank but does not attempt to fire. I believe if the engine cranks that the solenoid should be okay. Is this correct? What would you recommend that I try next? Magneto? Where is it located? Where are other possible safety switches located? How should I test them? Am I testing the spark correctly? I am assuming fuel and carb are okay.
Thanks for your help,
Mark
ANSWER: Hello Mark:
>>To Assist you in Locating the Places the Safety Switches are, I Require the Mowers Model Numbers. Usually you can Follow the Clutch Linkage and Locate the Clutch/Neutral Switch and the Blade Safety is as Simple to Locate. Using the Breakdown should make Locating them Easier.
>>To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action?sid=PSHx20080114x00001 and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists for you Equipment Using the "View Sub Components" Section Near the Bottom Left.
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File I Made for Checking the Coil/Ign Coil/Magnetron/Armature on Small Engines. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>**To Check the Ign Coil; Remove the Spark Plug/s.
>>With a Good Plug, Wrap a Wire Around the Threads of the Plug and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block.
>>Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). The Wire that is Connected to the Coil/Ign Module from the Shut Off Switch needs to be Removed (unplugged) from the Coil/Ign Module.
>>Now Check for Spark at the Plug.
>>If Spark, then the Shut Off Switch or the Wire is Bad.
>>If Still No Spark, then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. If there are Safety Switches on this Unit and the Coil is Good; you Need to Check the Safety Switches for Being Bad and Check the Oil Guard Switch also.**
>>The Following is an Instruction File for the Safety Switch System. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>The Color Code of the Wires May be Different than those I Use as a Reference in the Instruction File.
>>**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 (on the 4 Post Switch (Clutch/Brake) Jumper from Same Color Wire (Example: White to White) First and then Check for Fire, Now Include the Black to Black Wires if No Fire. Check the Clutch/Brake and the Blade/PTO Safety Switches First. Then Check the Oil Guard Switch (if Applicable). 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. Use a Paper Clip or a Short Wire to Make a Jumper.**
>>Use a Multimeter and Check the Continuity of the Switch. The Meter should Show when the Contacts are Closed and Open. The Meter will Swing All the Way Over when the Switch Contacts are Closed and Swing Back to the Rest Point when the Switch Contacts are Open.
>>From your Description it Sounds like a Safety Switch or a Bad Ign Coil.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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 your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The tractor model number is 917.270913.
It sounds like I don't need to worry about the solenoid. Is that correct?
Thanks again.
Mark
AnswerHello Again Mark:
>>From your Description that Sounds Correct.
Respectfully
John
>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
