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Followup To
Question -
Hello
I have a Craftman riding mower 15.5 hp 42"cut, at first it would run for a while then go dead, after reading some of the Q & A, I decided it was the ignition module and replaced it. Now I can't get it to start not even a spark, I turn the key and hear a clicking sound that sounds like it is coming from the spark plug I replaced it and still nothing, the engine want even turn over, not even when I try to jump it off. I have never had any problems with this mower since I bought it used about 4 yrs ago. I have always kept the repairs up.
Could you please help me
Thanks
Answer -
Hi Lisa,
You will need to get the engine to "crank or turn over" before we can deal with getting it to run. Follow my "No crank" proceedure below.
Let me know how you make out.
Michael
I would check the starter first. Jump the positive battery terminal to the starter and it should crank over. If not, try a known good battery from a car. If still nothing, the starter is bad. If good, then you will need to trace the entire circuit from the starter to the battery. The solenoid, switches the battery power to the starter, when power from the key switch is sent to the small terminal on the solenoid. To test the solenoid, first make sure that you have power at its large terminal which comes from the battery. Then jump power from that terminal or the battery positive post, to its small terminal. You should hear a click and the other large terminal that feeds the starter should be energized. If not, then the solenoid is bad. If good, then continue tracing the power through the key switch to the battery until you find the break in the power path. All testing can be done with a 12 volt light or a voltmeter. Most equipment has safety switches in the seat and on the blade engagement lever. Check them by temporarily bypassing with a small jumper wire.
Ok Michael,
After I sent my message to you I read more Q&A and I found your suggestion that was stated above, I did get the starter to turn over several times and, but then I got impatient becaues, I have a reunion this weekend 28 and I needed to get the place mowed. And I felt I couldn't wait 3 days for a reply. Which now I am truly sorry.
Anyway I took the mower to a shop and I explain to the guy the problem and what I had done try and fix it. That I had replace the ignition module, and spark plug, oil filter, fuel filter and oil and the when I went to start it I couldn't get it to start. He calls me back and tell me that my engine is locked up that there is nothing he can do. So I go and get it he said that he also got the starter to turn over, then he said that he could not turn the motor not even with his hands. Anyway I get home and try to do what I did the last time and I can't get the starter to do anything. Now the engine is locked up. Am I out of luck?
Is there anyway to unseige a seiged engine?
AnswerHi Lisa,
Sorry for my delay. The holiday was busy here.
It would be hard to free up a seized engine. If it was run, while low on oil there could be serious damage to the piston and cylinder. The engine should be disassembled and inspected or replaced.
Good Luck,
Michael
