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Before I get into this, let me just say, I understand the dangers in disabling safety switches. . So no need in explaining all that... I've been researching safety switch problems, and can't see to figure this one out...

It's a craftsman LT1000. 19.5 I/c.

Yesterday, while mowing, it sounded as if it was about to run out of gas. So I disengaged the mower deck and hurried back up to the house. After putting more fuel in it, It started trying to die on me when I released the clutch and also (while just sitting with the clutch/brake pressed, it would die if I engaged the mower deck..

Without thinking, I took off the safety switches from both the deck engagement clutch and the one that attaches to the frame (down by the starter solenoid) .. Both tested fine. So, I'm thinking it's the seat switch.. I removed the bottom cover (from under the seat that has the two thin springs (with the spacers), took out the two spacers and tightened the seat all the way til it bottomed out. Still does the same thing. So then, I used a jumper wire on the harness. And it still does the same thing. Tries to die when I either left off the clutch brake or engage the mower...

In checking the switches (the ones I took off first), I got .000 (and a beep) from one side without pressing the button. But had to press the button to get .000 (and a beep) on the other side. So, I'm thinking, those are good.

The seat safety switch, (which only has two wires) beeps now as well. (but I didn't test it before I removed the spacers and bottomed out the nuts)....


Any suggestions??????????


Update. Checked the seat switch, with everything back in place, and it was fine. Tried to start it, and it did, several times... Then it died on it's own.. So, I checked the spark.. And no spark.. The engine, Briggs 19.5 opposed twin, will turn over. But no spark.. Going to check the ground wire going to it's and the gap of the coil. It's a new coil. So hopefully, it's not that..

Put the other coil on. It cranks and runs. But still tries to die when I try to engage the mower or release the clutch/brake.

Before spending more time on switches, temporarily disconnect the mag ground wire at the engine. If the engine runs without all the idiosyncrasies , at least you'll know it's probably a safety shutdown that's the culprit.

Search this site for testing safety switches. I posted a fairly good video on how to but I have never mastered the search function on this site and finally gave up.

SeniorCitizen said:

Before spending more time on switches, temporarily disconnect the mag ground wire at the engine. If the engine runs without all the idiosyncrasies , at least you'll know it's probably a safety shutdown that's the culprit.

Search this site for testing safety switches. I posted a fairly good video on how to but I have never mastered the search function on this site and finally gave up.

Click to expand...

The engine ran fine with the coil ground disconnected. As as it is supposed to do, when I turned the key off, the engine continued to run, until I reconnected the ground to the coil..

Also, in my endeavors, one time, when I engaged the mower deck, it stayed running roughly for a minute or two....

Well, if it runs great with the "kill" wire to the coil disconnected, but won't shut off, leave it that way, and just pull the spark plug wires for now.

If voltage is getting to the coil from the system to the "kill" wire, it will destroy the ignition coil.. Partial voltage will damage it until it is fried. Then if it runs good, then it will continue to leave the kill wire off until until you figure out your problem, because those coils ain't cheap.

hrdman2luv said:

The engine ran fine with the coil ground disconnected. As as it is supposed to do, when I turned the key off, the engine continued to run, until I reconnected the ground to the coil..

Also, in my endeavors, one time, when I engaged the mower deck, it stayed running roughly for a minute or two....

Click to expand...

If it only ran for a minute or two, QUOTE: " one time " with the mag wire ( coil ground ) disconnected you have more than safety switches to consider. Check the coil ground wire for a possible bare spot under the shroud.

Problems solved:

The wiring harness that goes to the seat switch, had rubbed into the belt. It rubbed it nearly into. Anyways, It's fixed and running great...


For now.