when engaging the cutter the engine dies out.

[davewatts]

Just been in the shed to get my John deere 166 out for a final cut this year and find that the engine cuts out when I try and engage the cutter.
It starts and runs fine, I used it two weeks ago and it was fine. The cutter is not jammed as it will engage if I just pull the leaver over a tiny way, but as soon as I try and engage it fully it just cuts the engine out.Any ideas out there chaps?????:confused2:

 

[mechanic mark]

Service Mower

First check underside of deck for obstructions, grass buildup, etc. Check wire harness connection at PTO clutch bottom of engine. If PTO clutch has 3 small windows it can be adjusted to specs.

 

[bertsmobile1]

Usual culprit is the seat switch.
If you try to engage the blades and no one is in the seat the mower cuts out to stop idiot morons shoving their hands into the blades .
There is some variation, some models the blades simply turn off and others the engine itself turns off.
Remove the earth wire to the ignition coil and if the problem goes away then you have a switch problem.
Just remember if you remove the cut out wire you can not turn off the engine till it is joined back together.
I like to use a nice long wire that I can earth out when sitting in the seat when I do this test.
Other "he Men" pull off the plug leads.