310-8... I accidentally killed it!!! Help!

[Boston Horse 2]

So - identical to another RS member, I didn't disconnect the battery when I took the panel off to repair the lift chain... and - wala - a spark. I figured I just blew a fuse at worst, but the tractor wont start. I decided to replace the solonoid just because I thought it was bad, but it wasnt the problem. I checked the PTO switch for continuity, the seat switch for continuity and the clutch switch - and they are fine.

The sparks initially came off the ignition switch mounting plate. Is there any way of testing the ignition switch with a regular meter? Also - is there any way of testing the low oil switch in the Kohler 10hp Magnum? I even disconnected the 5 pin plug that connects the engine to the harness and I jumped the two red leads together that go to the oil sending unit - that is the only way I could get the tractor to click... The click was coming from a little box on the right side of the tractor next to the solonoid - I have no idea what that magic box does, but it only clicked when I touched the oil leads together on the harness. I have about 10 hours into this thing and I am no further than when I first started, except I have 4 busted knukles and an irratated wife. Is there anything else I can do? HELP!!!

[dcrage 630]

You are sure you didn't blow that fuse??? -- I "thought" that my fuse was good after pulling this stunt -- But I just couldn't see the little hair line burn where the fuse broke

[Boston Horse 2]

I am positive its not the fuse - I checked it with meter and changed it with a new fuse and checked it again... I am working on it as we speak - I am thinking its the oil sensor... I printed the wiring diagram off Demystifying... and checking continuity one wire at a time in the "run" position... This system is not that complicated - I have to be able to get it running somehow... when I put a positive wire from the battery onto the small + post on the solonoid - she comes to life. I tested the ignition switch and that is perfect. This has to be a grounding, short or bad switch...

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

Here is the circuit we are dealing with and real life substitutions for the relays, switches, etc.

The oil level switch will energize the lockout relay when the oil level drops. When the lockout relay energizes, the internal contacts will not allow the 12 volts from the ingition switch - PTO - Clutch switches to arrive at the trigger terminal of the starter relay. The lockout relay becomes an open circuit with low oil or oil sensor issues.

Keep asking questions. You are correct, his is really not that difficult.

[hm12460 53]

I believe that "little magic box" you speak of is a relay and may have been damaged while you were doing what you did.

[hbrooks49 12]

For those of us a little bit lost here, exactly what part of the process of repairing the lift chain caused the spark.... I am going to be adjusting mine and would rather not have the same problem. I just don't see anything that's even close to the chain or linkage....

Thanks

[Boston Horse 2]

I forgot to disconnect the battery post and when I took the front panel off (the panel with the guages on it) I hit the ignition to the frame and it sparked for a second... then it was all down hill from there... It had nothing to do with the chain - more to do with the panel that had to b removed to get to the chain.

Update - I found this relay for $30 (ouch) on ebay - and bought it. It should be here this weekend. I am cautiously optomistic that this will solve this problem. So far - I am $45, 12 hours of 1 on 1 time with my headlamp and countless bandaids in the hole... lesson learned - take off the effing battery cable. :)

[chesbaycruiser 83]

Just to be clear, am I understanding that the tractor is not turning over, as opposed to you are not getting any spark?

[Boston Horse 2]

yes - it is not turning over when I turn the key - but if I jump the two solonoid studs or connect all 4 of the wires from the relay by the belt guard together, it runs like a top. Per SOI's suggestion, I put a battery to the trigger on the solonoid and grounded the case to the battery and got no reading of Ohm's at all on the relay - which leads me to believe that although the relay is clicking, it is toast.