Electrical Enigma

[cjakins]

Hi -

Attached images will help illustrate what I describe herein.

I'm trying to figure out an issue with my dad's electric start Snapper rear engine rider. We put on a new coil, but with everything wired up correctly (at least what I believe) the mower won't start OR shutdown with the key. If we pull the kill wire from the coil then it will start. In looking further, I noticed the little terminal/post attached to a metal plate around the engine to which several wires are attached. That post just kind of sits in there by friction - tight enough to not fall out, but not hard at all to push into place. I discovered by accident that if I pull the entire post off the metal place the mower starts up with the key just fine and shuts down with the key - totally normal. But as soon as place the assembly back in it's little square hole, it won't start - effectively being grounded out.

My question is: is the terminal post supposed to have some kind of insulation that keeps it from grounding everything - perhaps something that has worn off over the years? If not, what could be the issue? I'm NOT really well versed at all in mower electrics, so please describe any solutions like you would to a newbie.

 

[Rivets]

That terminal connection should have a plastic cover around it so it doesn’t short out when inserted into the square hole. The plastic cover, which is gone, holds the connector in the square hole. You can see black parts of it in your third picture. You can make your own connector, or purchase a different style at an auto parts store. If you post your units model and serial numbers we might find a part number if it is sold separately.

 

[slomo]

OMG buddy. That is one corroded mower. Guess you live right on the ocean maybe?

You might remove every wire and connector and clean/polish/renew each connection. No wonder it won't do anything for you. Add some dielectric grease after you clean each connection.

 

[Rivets]

Slomo, look closely and you’ll see that the plastic case is gone. Your suggestion will only work once the insulated case is replaced.

 

[slomo]

Stunned it worked this long but I got my answer. It's a Snapper.

 

[slomo]

Slomo, look closely and you’ll see that the plastic case is gone. Your suggestion will only work once the insulated case is replaced.

So you don't see any corrosion at all? No suspect connections? Maybe it's my poor vision?

I see the case is gone.

If he has one bad connection probably more to follow.

 

[Auto Doc's]

That plastic bushing that has crumbled away was just a stud holder to attach the wires to a central location. Wrap the old wires and holder with black tape. The engine should cut off through the ignition switch ground when it is turned to the off position.

 

[cjakins]

That terminal connection should have a plastic cover around it so it doesn’t short out when inserted into the square hole. The plastic cover, which is gone, holds the connector in the square hole. You can see black parts of it in your third picture. You can make your own connector, or purchase a different style at an auto parts store. If you post your units model and serial numbers we might find a part number if it is sold separately.

Thank you for the solid info in your reply. Much appreciate it. I'll see if I can get the model/serial numbers to hopefully get a replacement part. Not sure how I would make my own connector.

 

[cjakins]

OMG buddy. That is one corroded mower. Guess you live right on the ocean maybe?

You might remove every wire and connector and clean/polish/renew each connection. No wonder it won't do anything for you. Add some dielectric grease after you clean each connection.

If there's an ocean in SW Missouri, yes, right on the beach!

 

[hlw49]

That is the manual kill terminal on the engine. Post model type and code no of the engine to look it up. It goes on the throttle control bracket.