Repairs Snapper 381450 HBVE R.E.R stalls when blade engaged

[kcsnapper]

I am having a couple problems with the old girl. First off is it won't start with the key any more. It only clicks. But, I can pull start it sometimes.

The biggest problem is that now when I get it started and put it into gear I can drive all over. But as soon as I engage the blades... she dies. I'm fairly certain that it is one of the switches but there are 3 switches and an interlock on my wiring diagram and no explanation as to what they are for. What is the procedure to troubleshoot this problem?

Thanks,
John

 

[mechanic mark]

Since your ignition switch is not working I would start there and check all wires at back of switch by hand, make sure connections are good & tight.

 

[kcsnapper]

Since your ignition switch is not working I would start there and check all wires at back of switch by hand, make sure connections are good & tight.

Thanks for the reply Mark. I wasn't too clear on the whole key thing before. The reason that it wouldn't start by key is that the solenoid was broken. I have a new one on the way. I did manage to track down the problem with it dying though. The seat switch had fallen out of the holder and was open all the time. As soon as the blade engaged it was over. Got that fixed (bypassed) and then it would start for about 1/2 a second and die :confused2: I traced that to the wiring for the fuel bowl solenoid. It was broken and it wouldn't allow enough fuel in to keep engine running. I pulled the needle valve out and now it runs again.

 

[mechanic mark]

Don't bypass switches, if they're bad replace them with a new switch, same thing with carburetor needle valve, order kit or new carburetor, by keeping equipment maintained properly it will last you a whole lot longer.