Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro walk behind mower blade engagement, assembly drawings, measure voltage

Question
QUESTION: Mower is a Toro Mod 3165 ser # 20989. Engine is Kawasaki 460. Problem: Blades do not engage. When I measure voltage at fuse output, reading is 17v. When I attempt to engage blades (activate clutch switch) voltage drops to 4v and blade does not engage. I have been mowing this summer by hooking up a car battery directly to the clutch. Clutch works fine. I am not sure how to determine what is wrong with the charging system on the engine. I also see a relay (bosch brand) that is involved in the blade engagement. I have a VOM to trouble shoot. What do I do next?


ANSWER: Hello Richard:

Check the PTO Ground. Remove and Clean the Ground. The Description you gave me is Common with the Ground Not having Good Connection. Can you Check the Model Numbers, Please. The Model 3165 is Not Shown Anywhere in my Manuals or at the Toro Online Site. With the Correct Model Numbers, You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, https://lookup3.toro.com/partdex/default.cfm and Select Start Parts Viewer. Now Enter the Model Numbers. Now Select View Assembly Drawings. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 you Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the rapid response. I am not certain of the location of the pto ground. I see a single wire going from the fuse to the pto but do not see a separate ground wire on the pto and assumed that it was ground through its attachment to the machine. I am sorry for the mistyped model #: the correct # is 30165.

Answer
Hello Again Richard:

No Worries About the Model Numbers. Everyone Does it at One Time or Another, so I am Used to it. LOL. You are Correct About the Ground. Remove the PTO and Clean the Grounding Surfaces of Rust and Dirt. I Should have Explained the Ground to you. I Apologize for the Mistake. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John