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Posted in the "small engine repair" section also...this maybe the more correct forum.

Have an older 12-38 #71184, the deck is junk but the tractor runs great. I want to use it to tow stuff around but can't get it started. I'm guessing it has something to do with bypassing the PTO safety switch, but I'm not sure where it is, or how to do it. Thanks in advance

Does it turn or nothing when you turn the switch? Let's assume nothing and please follow these steps.



Electrical* problems can be very easy or very difficult, depending on four things.
1. * How well you understand basic electricity.
2. *What tools you have and know how to use.
3. *How well you follow directions.
4. *You don't overlook or assume anything and verify everything.

Remember we cannot see what you are doing. *You are our eyes, ears and fingers in solving this problem. *You must be as accurate as you can when you report back. *The two basic tools we will ask you to use are a test light and a multi-meter. *If you have an assistant when going through these tests it would be very helpful. *These steps work the best when done in order, so please don't jump around. *Now let's solve this problem.

First, check the fuse(s), check battery connections for corrosion (clean if necessary) and *voltage - above 12.5 volts should be good.*

Second, check for power from the battery to one of the large terminals on the solenoid. *One of the wires is connected directly to the battery and has power all the time so one of the large terminals should light a test light or show 12 volts on a meter at all times.*

Third, *check for power at the small terminal of the solenoid while depressing the clutch/brake pedal and holding the key in the start position (you may need an assistant to sit in the seat to override the safety switch). If your solenoid is a four wire solenoid, check both small wire terminals as one is ground and the other is power from the ignition switch. *If your solenoid is a three wire solenoid, make sure the solenoid body is not corroded where it bolts to the chassis of the mower as this is your ground path back to the battery. *If in doubt, remove the solenoid and clean the mounting area down to bare metal. *If there is no power to the small terminal then your problem is most likely a safety switch, ignition switch or in the wiring.*

Fourth, check for power on the other large terminal of the solenoid while holding the key in the start position (you may need an assistant to sit in the seat to override the safety switch).*

Fifth, check for power at the starter while holding the key in the start position (assistant again).*

Sixth, check your ground circuit back to the battery.

After you have gone through each of the above steps, let us know what happened when you did each step. *At that point we will have great info to tell you how to proceed. *Remember you are our eyes, ears, and fingers, so please be as accurate as possible.

Be as specific as possible with voltage readings as this will help diagnose your problem quicker. *If you do not know how to perform the above checks, just ask and I will try to guide you through it. *Youtube also has some videos and as you know a picture is worth a thousand words.

There were absolutely no problems with it prior to the deck being removed. There were no electrical issues prior to it's removal either.

I understand, but you didn't answer my first question. We need a starting point if you are looking for help.

No...Nothing...nada. No solenoid click. Battery is new and fully charged.

That's why I asked you to go through the electrical troubleshooting steps, so we can identify where the problem is. I doubt it is the PTO SWITCH. That's why it is so far down on the troubleshooting list.

Got it...

The cable which engages the deck must also act as a ground. I had an idea to take the metal cable end and just attatch that to a bolt on the frame. Voila! :biggrin:

Thanks for "sparking" a little thought.

Now time to finish re-installing my snomobile carbs...

Don't forget to use a double gasket and punch the jets or it will run to lean. Oops, forgot that was when working on the old Sachs engine. Good luck, glad we could help.

Ok...maybe not...

So it started, then I looked down and the cable was hanging down. I turned it off, then on again. A couple of times more also.

So in other words...PFM. (NavySpeak for "Pure F-N Magic:laughing

Maybe a contact was a little corroded from sitting for awhile...

It runs, that's most important!

Not bad for a SEA GOING BELLHOP! At least I. Hope you're a Shellback.

Rivets said:

Not bad for a SEA GOING BELLHOP! At least I. Hope you're a Shellback.

Click to expand...

:laughing:
Yeah...did 4 WesPacs.

Let me guess...Marine?

Nope, I'll admit it, WANNABE. Lots of friends who love to let me know what I missed. Every branch, you would love to sit in on card night, lucky as I said all friends.

Rivets said:

Nope, I'll admit it, WANNABE. Lots of friends who love to let me know what I missed. Every branch, you would love to sit in on card night, lucky as I said all friends.

Click to expand...

I still shoot with all sorts of active guys. Marine Marksmanship Unit, Army Marksmanship Unit etc...at Camp Perry, Quantico and others. We give each other a hard time, but we also know we're all "on the same side"...so it's all good!