2020 Snapper RER died suddenly

[Richard Milhous]

Visible spark is not proof of adequate spark. On two recent threads here, spark was detectible but turned out to be inadequate. But again, I doubt that's your problem.

Keyed ignition switches can be treacherous, especially if they control multiple circuits. More than once I have had a switch that functioned fine sometimes but could get into a not-quite-right position where one or more connections were wrong. Safety switches are more likely your culprit, but I wouldn't rule out the ignition switch yet.

 

[2020snapperrer]

Resolved:
The red wire from the ignition to the starter solenoid melted, or was somehow pinched and exposed the wire. I have no idea how the wire was damaged, but it happened between where it comes out of the central shaft and goes into the battery compartment. This is right by the motor. Has anyone seen this before? I really hope it wasn't critters chewing on my mower.

I just started following the electricity from the battery to the spark plug and got to the starter solenoid. I was going to remove/test the solenoid when I noticed the 10A bus fuse. I pulled it out, tested it, and sure enough it looked fine but tested bad. I replaced the fuse and while putting in the new fuse I noticed the damaged wire. I repaired the wire and tucked it up into the battery compartment and she started right up and runs fine now.

 

[hlw49]

check the fuse

 

[johnandchrisinmo]

being it fires on starter fluid sounds to me like a fuel issue not a spark or electrical problem

 

[Richard Milhous]

Critters usually leave a residue of acorn husks, chewed insulation, feces, and whatnot. A strategically positioned block of rat poison is a good preventive. Replace twice a year.

If the breach was caused by friction/heat, you can protect the repaired wire by relocating it or wrapping it in electrical tape. But wrapping in tape does promote corrosion. I like to crimp or solder the joint and drown it in hot glue to forestall that. Glue also keeps the tape from falling off when it dries out, or a crimped joint from disconnecting. Silicone might work even better.

 

[hlw49]

being it fires on starter fluid sounds to me like a fuel issue not a spark or electrical problem

could be a valve issue

 

[hlw49]

How many times do I need to encourage people not to use starting fluid. U Can blow a head gasket and or a head. Had guy to bust a head on a Generac engine with it. DO NOT USE STARTING FLUID TO TRY AND START AN ENGINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Use something like Gum Out carb. cleaner works fine will not blow head gasket of heads.

 

[slomo]

How does the seat switch work? Does it ground to kill? Or does it close the circuit when depressed?

The reason I ask is because I took the switch out and tested it, and it appears to be a functioning switch, but I'm not certain. When the seat/switch is depressed (as if someone is sitting on the seat) the meter reads "overflow". But when the switch is NOT depressed (as if no one were on the seat) the meter reads a closed circuit with a steady .3-.4 ohms. This seems to be the opposite of what you suggested above. It appears to open the circuit when someone is seated. Is this the way it's supposed to be?

Yes, switch is good.

When you get off the seat, that switch should be a short or close to 0 Ohms. That switch shorts the ignition coil out and prevents spark. When you sit down on the seat, switch should read OPEN.

 

[slomo]

Update:

I was able to get the engine to fire with some starter fluid, but it quickly died again.

Carb or fuel delivery issue.

Dirty fuel tank, fuel line decomposing and a possible dirty fuel filter.

You gave it some spray fuel, engine consumed it and died. It wants more fuel to run.

Is the vent open on the gas cap? Mine is a little screw vent deal. Open it to mow. Close the vent to park the mower.

 

[slomo]

Resolved:
The red wire from the ignition to the starter solenoid melted, or was somehow pinched and exposed the wire. I have no idea how the wire was damaged, but it happened between where it comes out of the central shaft and goes into the battery compartment. This is right by the motor. Has anyone seen this before? I really hope it wasn't critters chewing on my mower.

I just started following the electricity from the battery to the spark plug and got to the starter solenoid. I was going to remove/test the solenoid when I noticed the 10A bus fuse. I pulled it out, tested it, and sure enough it looked fine but tested bad. I replaced the fuse and while putting in the new fuse I noticed the damaged wire. I repaired the wire and tucked it up into the battery compartment and she started right up and runs fine now.

Wire looks smashed by something.

I would dress up those wires with plastic loom and some zip ties. Or electrical tape if you have some.