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Why won't my Craftsman 13.5 hp, 30" Riding mower start?

I have Model No. 536270301, the engine started right up and quickly died like it was out of gas. I checked the fuel, it had gas. It has about 100 hours of service and I had no problems until now. I checked for spark at the wire and got nothing. It seems I am getting gas and compression. It seems like something electrcal. I tested all of the safety switches with a continuity tester and they all tested fine. I am thinking it might be the ignition switch. I tested it, but I am not sure if I am doing it correctly. The wiring diagram shows (Run2) B+A1 L+A2. I tried clipping the B+A1 with the key to the on position and it worked. However, I tried turning the key and touching the L+A2 and it doesn't light up. Should I tried touching all four positions simultaneosly or just the first two and then the second two? I'm a little confused on this.

JayDog
July 2008

Craftsman Garden Tools, Lawn Mowers Mower Model Engine

For a start, I suggest you check that the engone coil is OK. Find the magneto ground wire (usually connected to a terminal near the throttle linkage) and disconnect it. If you still have no spark, you have a problem with the coil - forget the rest of the wiring. If you DO have a spark, but no start, check that there is battery voltage on the wire leading to the carb float chamber. This is the cut-off solenoid, and cuts the flow of fuel to the main jet if not energised. If there is battery voltage here, you have sparks, and it still won't run, change the fuel solenoid.

Although possible, it's unlikely for the ignition switch to go faulty, as it would have to fail CLOSED to cut the engine. Since it was running when it died, the switch would have had to fail spontaneously - from open to closed - without being touched. Not likely.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders
August 2008