Shuboxlover 481 #1 Posted July 13 I was helping dad mow the other day with his 520Lxi...was mowing right along then all of a sudden it just died and wouldn't start again, machine only has 565 hrs on it. I got it to my shop and did some trouble shooting, it has spark and is getting fuel to the carb (disconnected the fuel line going into the carb and the fuel pump is working) It will run for a second or two if I put a little fuel down the carb but then dies. I don't know a TON about the engines in these but I started to take things apart and noticed this....am I correct to think that this is a solenoid? and is there supposed to be a wire going into it? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!! Thank you all Tyson Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,522 #2 Posted July 14 The wire going from the tractor to the engine connector is yellow for the fuel solenoid. It is also wired to the ignition module. The wire colors engine side of the connector are unknown. Most likely 6 wires in the engine connector. Color diagram here Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shuboxlover 481 #3 Posted July 14 Thanks....can the wire be reattached or is the solenoid done? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,522 #4 Posted July 14 I would try it even if one had to try and solder a wire to what is left of the terminal. Have never had one out but have read that you can remove the solenoid and cut the valve off to get you going. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,129 #5 Posted July 14 10 minutes ago, gwest_ca said: I would try it even if one had to try and solder a wire to what is left of the terminal. Have never had one out but have read that you can remove the solenoid and cut the valve off to get you going. The solenoid valve is there to shut off drawing fuel into the carb throat (NOT the bowl) as soon as the engine is turned off. It’s there to reduce emissions. Needs power to open! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,712 #6 Posted July 14 Those solenoids usually have a distinct "click" when you turn the key switch to the first detent. When voltage is applied the plunger is pulled back just enough to allow fuel back into the carb. Sometimes they stick due to corrosion. If it isn't working, it should be easy to swap out. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shuboxlover 481 #7 Posted July 14 Can I just remove it and plug it? If not, does anyone know where to get one? Parts Tree says NLA I have a good used one from another tractor I have, but then that one would be down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 2,278 #8 Posted July 14 35 minutes ago, Shuboxlover said: Can I just remove it and plug it? If not, does anyone know where to get one? Parts Tree says NLA I have a good used one from another tractor I have, but then that one would be down. I believe you can plug it. You may have a backfiring issue on shut down. Short bolt, probably metric. Use a copper washer as a gasket. Do not use thread sealant. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shuboxlover 481 #9 Posted July 14 Ok, thanks...I'll give it a try and report back. Thanks for all the help!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,129 #10 Posted July 14 1 hour ago, Shuboxlover said: Can I just remove it and plug it? Please post a picture of it when you have it out Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,712 #12 Posted July 14 7 hours ago, Shuboxlover said: Can I just remove it and plug it? Depends on the location of the fuel tank. If the tank is above the carb, the solenoid keeps fuel from draining when the engine is off. Otherwise it will overflow into the crankcase and that is very dangerous. If the fuel tank is below the carb, it's less likely to cause problems. Gravity does what gravity does... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,129 #13 Posted July 15 Is this the valve? If so, plugging it doesn’t seem like it’d work. Here the fuel flows through the threaded end. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,858 #14 Posted July 15 The Toro 95-9874 solonoid is no longer available, maybe a used one could be found or some dealer still has one on the shelf. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,348 #15 Posted July 16 On 7/13/2025 at 8:36 PM, gwest_ca said: I would try it even if one had to try and solder a wire to what is left of the terminal. Have never had one out but have read that you can remove the solenoid and cut the valve off to get you going. I had to do this on a B&S engine, I just ground about 1/8" off the end of the tip of the little rod that closed off the fuel supply and the problem went away. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RED-Z06 2,590 #16 Posted July 16 If its an FD Kawasaki, ive had to replace a few of these but never seen one missing its wire. https://a.co/d/3TWZklc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
