17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model

Experienced gardeners share their insights in answering this question :
I think one of the dafety switches is shut and is shorting out the circuit. There are usually 4 of them. one under the seat, one on the clutch pedal, one on the blade engagement lever and one on the gearshift which must be in neutral

How to Identify and Fix Common Gardening Problems ?

We provide a variety of viewpoints on how to identify and fix common gardening problems. Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced gardeners :

Your lawn mower turning over but not starting due to several reasons, such as a faulty or disconnected plug, a disconnected spark plug wire, a clogged air filter, or a contaminated fuel tank. A faulty carburetor, a dirty cutting deck, or a dysfunctional flywheel brake can also cause this.
Check the fuse

The fuse on most riding mowers is connected to the small red wire that connects to the starter solenoid post. Check the fuse and replace it if it`s blown. If you replace the fuse and it continues to blow, you`ll need to find the short in the wiring or component that`s causing the fuse to blow.

The most common cause for the engine not turning over is simply the battery. Either the battery itself is dead, the terminals are corroded so the current can`t travel through them, or the battery cables themselves are damaged. Inspect your battery terminals and cables, and test the battery.
Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time. If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. If the starter motor does not run, the motor itself is probably defective.
Disconnected, dirty or fouled spark plugs are common causes for engines that won`t start. For small engines, spark plugs typically need to be replaced every season or after 25 hours of use. You should also check to make sure the spark plug gap is set correctly.
Use Carburetor Cleaner

Fortunately, you can generally do this without even taking the carburetor out of the engine. Start by purchasing some commercial lawnmower carburetor cleanerOpens a new window, which comes in a simple spray can and will make it easy to clean the inside and outside of the carb.

The three main reasons why an ignition key will not turn include: problems with related components, issues with the key itself, and ignition lock cylinder problems. Tip: Always make sure your parking brake is on to keep the vehicle secure when following these steps.
The starter solenoid is above the starter motor. The threaded terminal at left would connect to the battery through a heavy cable. At the right end of the solenoid coil, a linkage inside the housing would engage the pinion visible in the housing at the right side of the motor.
It might be that the wiring has come loose, or is simply of the wrong gauge. You might also have broken or frayed wiring. All of these issues could prevent the motor from starting up. Make sure you carefully inspect all of the wiring in the starting circuit of the motor.
Why does the tractor make a clicking sound and not start? If the riding mower makes a heavy clicking or a rapid clattering sound when the key is turned to the start position, there is a problem with the battery or a part of the starting circuit. The clicking noise comes from a part called the starter solenoid.
Let someone turn on the ignition key or press the starter button. Observe the light — if it doesn`t turn on, the solenoid is likely failing to transfer power and might need replacement. However, if the light turns on but there`s no clicking sound or starter engagement, the issue lies with the car starter.
Rusting, power failure, irregular pressure, missing equipment, an incorrect amount of voltage or current, dirt stuck in the system and corrosion are some of the possible reasons why a solenoid valve may not properly close or open.
A dead battery is the most common reason why engines fail to start up. A common reason for batteries to fail is drain. Your car`s battery typically expends a small portion of its storage to start your car up, and then recharges from your alternator as you move.
If it won`t start or fire with spray fuel, you probably have an ignition system problem, most likely a bad ignition coil. However, if it starts and dies, that proves the ignition is working and the problem is fuel starvation. Check the fuel filter first by disconnecting the fuel line from the filter to the carb.
The Spark Plugs

The engine`s spark plugs get worn down and damaged over time due to use. A faulty spark plug can cause hard starts, low fuel consumption, and reduced performance. Spark plugs can be one of the first things you check when your tractor performance is off.

If your tractor is making a clicking sound when you turn the ignition, this may be a sign that there is an issue with your tractor starter motor. If you hear a whirring sound it may be due to the pinion gear not engaging with the flywheel.

Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

How do I remove and clean air filter? – Briggs & Stratton Lawn-Boy 10640 20-Inch 6.5 HP Gas Powered Lawn Mower
ANSWER : There should be a square of plastic on the side of the engine which is opposite of the muffler. It has a small hex head with a slot cut in it. Remove this plastic cover and the air cleaner should be inside of it.

Oil quanity I have 20 hp craftsman briggs and stratton twin how much oil when you change out oil
ANSWER : Usually 1 qt

Craftsman 19.5 HP Briggs and Stratton engine. Will not start. will start with starter fluid and then stalls. It appears no gas is getting to the carb.
ANSWER : Disconnect fuel line from carb and crank engine. NO FUEL-check in-line fuel filter, kinked line, trash or water in bottom of fuel tank. FUEL- gas is stale, has water in it, or carb has sediment in bowl, bottom jet or idle jet.or float could be stuck shut.

Key start turns and makes a whining “I sort of want to start” noise but does not engage the engine. Previously the key start was sort of touchy and the key had to in just the right position to engage the starter. Could this be a starter motor problem? If so what is the part/fix?
ANSWER : If it is whining, the starter motor is turning. You possibly may have a broken starter drive. This is the little gear on the starter shaft. It’s not too expensive and relatively easy to replace.

42′ Poulan 20 hp-I was mowing & there was a loud pop,mower ideled down & quit. It will turn over but won’t start.
ANSWER : Check compression, should be over 90psi to start. And check spark. The loud pop I am going to assume came from the exhaust, which if you lost spark would cause excess gas to ignite. Causes of no spark, bad coil, or defective and or damaged safty swith.

Why wont an ariens mower turn over? – Ariens 46 in. 20 HP Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Mower
ANSWER : Dead battery or the brake is not depressed far enough for the safety to not work

Testing starter Have new starter but has very weak power, will not turn over tractor
ANSWER : Check your voltage when cable hook to starter. While trying to start it.

Briggs and stratton 6.5 started smoking so changed oil in hopes would help still smoking
ANSWER : Sounds like it broke a ring to fix better to buy new moter not worth trying to fix