Winkster 12 #1 Posted September 4, 2016 Hi folks, I've got an original '76 C-120 that still runs great BUT...started today and after I turned it off (ran over and shredded a $10 bill) it wouldn't start again. I eliminated the dead man switch in the seat. Dumb? There's no juice going to the starter that I can figure. Ideas? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,393 #2 Posted September 4, 2016 Welcome to the forum. The pto switch powers the clutch pedal switch on a gear model or the neutral switch on a hydro model. Play with those as you try to start. My C-120 must have the pto lever pulled back as the ignition switch is activated to work. This circuit provides power to the small terminal on the starter solenoid. If you have no luck place the transmission in neutral and run a temporary jumper from the battery + to the small solenoid terminal. That should make the starter run. The seat switch powers the ignition only when the pto is ON. Garry 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TIGman 2,006 #3 Posted September 4, 2016 On my C-120 a bad voltage meter was the culprit, not allowing enough voltage to the starter to turn it over. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Winkster 12 #4 Posted September 4, 2016 Garry, Your answer was spot on. Thanks. Just finished the lawn. I appreciate the quick replies from both you and TIGman. Winkster 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 28,101 #5 Posted September 5, 2016 Yea the PTO lever on my C 105 likes to be pulled all the way back as well or she won't crank... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Winkster 12 #6 Posted October 28, 2020 Hi folks! It's dopey me again. I need assistance. I *think* my issue is the Pto switch but I'm unsure. I finally bought a "new" carb and it went on well. I had to spray starter fluid to get it going (three different times now) but I'm OK with that. I had to connect a battery booster to get it to crank but that went well. Today I found both battery terminals were loose (yeah, I know. Pretty lame). Anyhow, now it won't even attempt to start. I find the Pto switch to be rather "bitchy" right now. It seems to lock in place, then release but reapply when the clutch and brake petal are used. Ideas? Remember, I'm dumb. Thanks in advance. You forum guys are amazing. Winkster Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,393 #7 Posted October 29, 2020 I don't understand your problem. The clutch pedal must be down on an 8-speed to close a switch that sends power from the pto switch to the starter solenoid. I think this is a ball switch down by the pedal. The pto switch may also be a ball switch as this is about the time they switched to or from lever switches. One of these diagrams should match what you have. Do you have the model and serial number off the tractor's ID plate? Click on the picture and again on the next page Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 59,281 #8 Posted October 29, 2020 13 hours ago, Winkster said: I had to spray starter fluid to get it going (three different times now) but I'm OK with that. I had to connect a battery booster to get it to crank but that went well. Today I found both battery terminals were loose (yeah, I know. Pretty lame). Anyhow, now it won't even attempt to start. I find the Pto switch to be rather "bitchy" right now. It seems to lock in place, then release but reapply when the clutch and brake petal are used. Sounds like you have a whole bunch of deferred maintenance issues that need to be dealt with. had to spray starter fluid to get it going Your fuel system needs some attention. Clean the fuel tank, replace the fuel hose, add a fuel filter and check the operation of the fuel pump. now it won't even attempt to start. Clean and tighten ALL electrical connections including ground wires. Not just the battery cables, all of the wiring cables. Also, take the battery to an auto supply store and have it load tested. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,565 #9 Posted October 30, 2020 (edited) Go over everything....then do it again !!! Good Luck, John You can also jump wires on safety switches to test proper function, then replace or repair out of adjustment Safety switches if engine turns over with safeties by-passed Edited October 30, 2020 by johnnymag3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
