Safety Switch Issue

[BHpa 7]

I have a WH 310-8.  I think I'm having an issue with the safety-cutoff switch - the small toggle switch under the seat.  Does anyone know if I can safely bypass the switch by cutting the two wires and connecting them together with a wire nut, or do I need to try and find a new switch? 

 

Or better yet, does anyone know how to test the switch to see if it's still viable before I go to that effort?  I'm not 100% sure this is the problem, but it seems to be.  

 

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,238]

Guessing this is the switch. It controls the magneto ignition so try it with the wires disconnected. It is a very important switch to have working.

Perhaps the seat is not opening the switch. Can you adjust the switch height?

 

[squonk 46,600]

Those micro switches fail just by looking at them. Most likely junk.

[ri702bill 12,119]

8 minutes ago, gwest_ca said:

It is a very important switch to have working.

Yup - that says it all.......

[Handy Don 16,618]

Post a picture of your switch and we can be more helpful. 

[kpinnc 18,259]

1 hour ago, gwest_ca said:

Guessing this is the switch. It controls the magneto ignition so try it with the wires disconnected. It is a very important switch to have working.

 

I do not know what year model your 310 is, but on the 1987 models the seat switch only engages if the PTO is also engaged. 

 

I had issues with mine once that actually turned out to be one of the two PTO switches. One is part of the interlock for the PTOs engagement, one is for the starting interlock where the PTO must be disengaged. The switches were stacked together, with one providing an open circuit while the other provided a closed one. 

 

Having your backside firmly planted when a snow blower, mowing deck, tiller, or other powered attachment in motion is pretty important. Very few of the members here would recommend removing it.