I am in the same situation as Jim but with a Craftsman 8HP and the same goes for the wiring. When I got the machine I noted the saftey wires hanging down from under the cover. From what I can figure out thus far it looks as if the key (plastic) just creates a gap between the spring (connected to the wire) and the chasis. Thus remove the key the spring touches the frame and stops the machine. There is a second wire broken off, I assume it should be connected to a spring at the bottom of the throttle which notes fast, slow and off. I do have a question as both wires lead to a plate and then back into the engine. Is this plate original equipment? and should it be grouded or isolated when connected to the chasis? Help here would be greatly appreciated.
Brian
December 2007