Possible kill switch problem

[davev]

Folks,

The saga continues and the engine (25HP electric start 1988) again will not start. Resetting the kill switch has no effect - it did the first time. Removing the green/yellow wires from the plastic blocks that connect to the spark plugs has no effect (I believe these are the grounding wires from the kill switch / ignition switch). There is new fuel, and starting fluid has no effect. The battery needs replacement so I can only hand crank it.

All the fuses mounted on the engine look fine. I did find a non connected tan/brown wire on the right hand side of the engine as you face it, but could not see where it would attach.

Can anyone suggest what else to try or where else to look??

Thanks,

Dave

 

[j_martin]

Re: Possible kill switch problem

Folks,

The saga continues and the engine (25HP electric start 1988) again will not start. Resetting the kill switch has no effect - it did the first time. Removing the green/yellow wires from the plastic blocks that connect to the spark plugs has no effect (I believe these are the grounding wires from the kill switch / ignition switch). There is new fuel, and starting fluid has no effect. The battery needs replacement so I can only hand crank it.

All the fuses mounted on the engine look fine. I did find a non connected tan/brown wire on the right hand side of the engine as you face it, but could not see where it would attach.

Can anyone suggest what else to try or where else to look??

Thanks,

Dave

The green wires are grounds essential to the operation of the ignition coils.(plastic blocks).

You need to get a maintenance manual, and in it is an electrical diagram. Then you can find out where the kill switch goes and troubleshoot it. Odds are it goes to a dedicated screw on the switchbox.

hope it helps
John

 

[davev]

Re: Possible kill switch problem

John,

There are also blue/purple wires from each plastic block that are engine block connected and are thus, I assume, permanent grounds.

Any suggestions where to get manual ?? Or could someone scan / email me a copy of the wiring diagram.

Dave

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Possible kill switch problem

Click on manuals at the top of the page. There should be a black/yellow wire that comes from the switch box to the kill switch then on to the ignition switch if you have one. Disconnect that wire at the switch box then check for spark.

 

[davev]

Re: Possible kill switch problem

Bill,

Manual ordered.

Followed your instructions. Disconnected yellow/black wire. After many many yanks on the starter cord the motor started. Flicked the ignition switch to prove I had the right wire and nothing happened as expected. Reconnected the wire and the motor continued to run. Flicked the ignition switch and motor faltered. Shut it down via the ignition key.

Every so often when I was pull starting the rope would not fully extend, wip out of my hands and recoil against the engine. This broke the plastic guard that covers the carb inlet probably to protect it from rain water. I suspect this is not critical.

So it is unlikely that the kill switch is the issue but I am very concerned about why the engine is so hard to start. It use to start with one or two pulls. Not sure I trust it enough to go anywhere where I would have to restart it.

Any suggestions about what areas to look at ??

Dave