Shuboxlover 481 #1 Posted February 18, 2010 So I was out snow blowing on valentines day .............she was good with it I was out there for about 10 min, then all of a sudden the thing died, like I shut the key off. I cranked for a couple seconds (4-5) it fired up and off I went. THEN....about 5-10 minutes later (couldn't really tell you, time flies when you're having fun) It just died again.....although this time it won't crank over....I go and get a pair of pliers to jump across the solenoid....it'll turn over, but will never fire, not even once. I haven't done anything with it since (been too busy) but what do you think may have happened.....I know I need to check for spark first, but then what? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Save Old Iron 1,571 #2 Posted February 18, 2010 Check for the spark first and get back to us - if it does not have a spark, that would be a whole different set of "next steps" than if it does have spark. If it doesn't even crank, trace out the battery power to the ign / starter B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docwheelhorse 2,740 #3 Posted February 18, 2010 Sounds like the power wire going to the keyswitch has broken off or something similar. Try your test again with jumping the solenoid... this time have the key in the on position if it wasn't the first time. If it doesn't start I'll bet my last doughnut theres no power at the keyswitch, if it does start I would then check the little wire going directly to the solenoid that runs from the keyswitch and makes the solenoid engage. But an "instant" death makes me really think its a power to the keyswitch issue.... Tony Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaineDad 87 #4 Posted February 18, 2010 Coil? That would be my guess. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bitten 134 #5 Posted February 18, 2010 Not enough info for my small brain but good luck with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dresden Guy 24 #6 Posted February 18, 2010 Shuboxlover, I would just "put her down" and call me to come take her away....I know there will be a time of mourning, but the RS guys will be there for you! All seriousness aside, I would consider what one RS member said to me about my C-160...."I don't know how old you are Dresden Guy, but that C-160 w/ a K341 will outlive you" Shuboxlover, I will be listening closely to all the tips and/or fixes, as I know that these RS guys will have your old girl running by sundown. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldandred 15 #7 Posted February 18, 2010 Does any body use volt meters any more ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,882 #8 Posted February 18, 2010 Does any body use volt meters any more ? Yep, that's what I would do. Check for voltage at the coil, if none, check to see if you're getting voltage at the key. Until you mentioned the no-crank with the key, I was thinking water in the points, but it sounds like the key switch or wireing to / from it. In this case, the meter is your friend (or a test light would work too). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dw Andy 0 #9 Posted February 18, 2010 My 520 did that yesterday, turned out to be a dead battery. Volt meter had been runnin' at 16 v. so I ran with the lights on, then it would read 14 v.But I wasn't watching it yesterday! Oh when I'm havin' so much fun I don't realy keep an eye on those guages! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shuboxlover 481 #10 Posted February 19, 2010 sorry guys about the little info..... checked the spark before I went to work...no spark..(still had to jump across the solenoid) I will go out in a bit and measure to see if I am getting power to the switch... I'll let you know in an hour or so.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shuboxlover 481 #11 Posted February 19, 2010 mystery solved..... the coil wire AND the solenoid wire rubbed on the gas tank base and wore through. Soldered them back together and good to go B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sorekiwi 761 #12 Posted February 19, 2010 the coil wire AND the solenoid wire rubbed on the gas tank base and wore through. I hate it when the wires burn up underneath the plastic gas tank... Glad you got her fixed, and she didnt burn to the ground! B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
