Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - mower won't start

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einsteindog
07-04-08, 08:26 AM
have a craftsman mower (OLD) that won't start.engine model #143.334042. The only way it will start is when the groundind wire is removed, then it starts on one pull. Any suggestions?

marbobj
07-04-08, 01:29 PM
If it's a push type, you just have a bad kill switch or one that is out of adjustment. If you can't get a replacement or fix that one, you can wire a toggle kill for it = ignition kill wire to switch, then a wire from switch to ground.

If it's a rider with a number of safety switches (operator present, transmission, or PTO), you could add those to the list. Those would need to be replaced. Modifying them would be difficult.
einsteindog
07-05-08, 09:44 AM
thanks for the reply, I'll give it a try.

cheese
07-05-08, 09:38 PM
By grounded wire, I assume you mean the kill wire to the coil? If so, this wire should not be grounded except to kill the engine. If it will only run with it disconnected, then the kill switch is not operating properly or the wire is shorted. It sounds to me like maybe the cable that operates the kill switch is stretched, broken, or needs adjustment.
einsteindog
08-01-08, 05:05 PM
:wall: Well I replaced the kill switch and wire and machine still won't start. Could it be the solid state assembly?
cheese
08-03-08, 01:27 AM
No, the kill switch is still grounding the kill wire. I suspect the cable that is supposed to activate the switch has stretched and is not activating the switch.
einsteindog
08-06-08, 12:22 PM
Thanks for everyones help. It was the kill switch and the machine is running great.
cheese
08-07-08, 12:59 AM
Glad you got it and thanks for the update!