skip to main content

Lawn Tractor flywheel wont return

12 years ago

I own a B&S engine31C707 with an electric start. If the engine does not start , the flywheel will not return, and I have to physically wind it backwards until it stops, and then attempt to start again. Does this type of motor have rewind starter spring? I know rope start models do, but this one is electric. I can find no information on this on the internet. Can someone help me?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

walt2002
12 years ago
Well you are not being terribly clear about what is going on. IF the starter turns the flywheel part way then stops most likely you need to adjust the valves so the compression release will work OR on that model, could be the camshaft is bad. IF you keep making the starter try to turn the engine over, you will ruin the starter if you haven't already.

I have detailed instructions on adjusting the valves as well as a test for compression release function IF you would like them. Address below, put in proper format and remind me, model number, etc.

Walt Conner
wconner5 at frontier dot com
0
kpc2912
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks Walt. To be clear, When I start the engine, the starter pinion engages the flywheel like it is suppose to. The flywheel turns one or two rotations, and the engine sometimes will not start. I know my battery is probably weak which does not help. Now, when it does not start, the flywheel stays in the position it stopped. When I try to engage the starter again, the flywheel will only move an inch or so, and it will not start in this position. However, if i take my hand on top of the flywheel, I can turn it backwards to where it began, and if I engage the starter again, then sometimes it will start.
0
Related Discussions
Craftsman Lawn Tractor Cranks but won't Start
Q
Comments (10)
I take it that the engine does not even TRY to start, but just spins when the starter is engaged. You need to make the test that mownie suggested. There are probably more safety interlocks than just the seat switch, and one of them could be "shorting" out the system. There is likely one on the clutch/brake pedal, and another on the PTO lever (the one that engages the blades), and one on the shift mechanism (to prevent starting if the transmission is in gear.) Testing these will require a multimeter. There is also a ground wire from the engine to the frame; typically on Husqvarna/AYP/Electrolux/Roper machines, it is a rather small black wire that is attached to the underside of the tractor frame just below the engine and inside the right front wheel. You've likely got a bad magneto or (more likely) either an electrical short caused by chafed insulation, corrosion, or loose connection, or a malfunctioning safety interlock switch. This all based on your being certain that there is no spark at the plug.
...See More
L102 Lawn tractor won't start
Q
Comments (4)
Did you check the engine oil before starting it after winter storage? Don't buy a new starter until you find out if you can turn the flywheel by hand! Check all cables, including the ground cable where it attaches to the frame, and clean up all cable connections and use new bolts in them! And, for Pete's sake--DON"T buy a new starter from a John Deere dealer!! They will charge twice the cost of one from somebody else! And, don't buy one, any way, it probably is something else. check the fuse in the fuse holder, near the starter solenoid. Its one of those new, flat type. Better take the battery to somebody and have them give it a load test. Gas stations usually have them. But not the gas and go type of place! You'd be lucky to find somebody there that would know what you meant if you asked. Some of the auto parts stores can do the checking for you, if you bring the battery to them. Those little tractor batteries are usually good for 2 summers. Because of the many starts they do, in normal usage. Can you get your car close enough to jump from it? (The current-not jump off it literally)
...See More
Lawn Tractor won't start
Q
Comments (6)
try jumping the positive lead from the battery to the post on the starter motor... this bypasses the solenoid and ignition... if you can get it spinning easily - then you got a faulty ground , solenoid, or ign switch... I had the same issue... turned out the valves needed adjusting on mine ... if yours is about 4 years old; I could understand where a valve adjustment might be in order .. (too bad really - they are basically free if your inclined to do it yourself) ... Depending on your motor - you may have a compression release ... if your valve lash is too great the compression release does not take effect - thereby your starter would not be able to spin the motor... have you checked your oil before we get started ? :) If its an B&S overhead valve engine - you can get your engine type and model numbers off valve covers (at least some of them).
...See More
Craftsman Lawn Tractor Won't Start
Q
Comments (65)
Seat switch connector has a built in "shorting bar" which will close the kill circuit when the connector is unplugged from the switch. Unplugging the connector from the switch gives the same results as if the seat is not occupied. Seat switch is just one switch in the safety interlock circuitry that can cause the engine to have no spark. The brake pedal interlock switch is actually 2 switches in one assembly. One of the brake switches is dedicated to starter inhibition, and the other switch is to kill spark and stop the engine. The PTO switch also has a circuit dedicated to the kill wire. You can disconnect the kill wire from the magneto to see if that restores spark. If doing that restores spark, something is grounding the kill wire somewhere. Could be a chafed wire.
...See More
rustyj14
12 years ago
Might i suggest finding out if your battery has enough of a charge in it to start the engine?
Also, there is no rope in the starter! It is entirely different from a hand operated pull-rope starter! When you turn the key to start, the current from the battery goes to the starter solenoid, and when you turn the key to "START" the solenoid sends current to the starter, and if you have it connected properly, the starter shaft revolves, and that makes the starter gear rise up to engage the teeth on the flywheel ring gear, which in turn makes the flywheel go around, and also makes sparks thru the spark plugs, and the spark makes the spark plug spark which ignites the fuel in the cylinder, making the engine turn, start, and run! Thats if everything is working properly! (Does that sound close? RJ)
Yes, i know--clear as mud! I had to check it, myself.
Also: This only applies when your battery is close to, or is, fully charged! And especially, if you have the minus (-)cable to GROUND, and the plus (+) cable to the solenoid! The plus and minus marks are usually cast into the battery case. NOTE: If you connect the cables the wrong way, the starter gear will not rise up to engage the flywheel gear teeth.
With the lawn tractor engine, if you connect the battery the wrong way, the little gear on the starter shaft will not rise up to make the flywheel turn, and forthwith, the engine will not even try to start!
0
walt2002
12 years ago
Your weak battery may not be turning the engine fast enough for the ignition coil to make a strong spark. Checking that is probably the first thing you want to do.

Walt Conner
0

Related Stories

EARTH DAY The Case for Losing the Traditional Lawn

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Work less, help the environment and foster connections by just saying no to typical turf

GROUND COVERS Give Your Lawn a Taste of the Wild

Consider the joys of an irregularly trimmed meadow lawn: It’s ecofriendly, visually interesting and still good for romping

GARDENING GUIDES How to Switch to an Organic Landscape Plan

By Falon Mihalic

Ditch the chemicals for a naturally beautiful lawn and garden, using living fertilizers and other nontoxic treatments

HOUSEKEEPING 7-Day Plan: Get a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Garage

By Laura Gaskill

Stop fearing that dirty dumping ground and start using it as the streamlined garage you’ve been wanting

GREEN BUILDING Off the Grid: Ready to Pull the Plug on City Power?

By Jen Dalley //

What to consider if you want to stop relying on public utilities — or just have a more energy-efficient home

LIFE Simple Pleasures: A Room of Your Own

By Laura Gaskill

Free up space for your own creative or meditative pursuits, and your dreams may have freer rein too

MAN SPACES Why Men Really Do Need a Cave

By Mitchell Parker

Don't dismiss cars, bars and the kegerator — a man space of some kind is important for emotional well-being at home

ACCESSORIES Easy Green: Cut Electricity Use With 15 Unplugged Home Devices

By Laura Gaskill

Crank up the energy savings, courtesy of household items that come into power the old-fashioned way: manually

TINY HOUSES Houzz Tour: A Custom-Made Tiny House for Skiing and Hiking

By Mitchell Parker

Ethan Waldman quit his job, left his large house and spent $42,000 to build a 200-square-foot home that costs him $100 a month to live in

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Accessibility With Personality in an 1870 Home

By Rikki Snyder

Hand-painted murals and personal touches fill an accessible home with warmth and charm

Sponsored

More Discussions

Mower Blade rotation

1

Battery question on John Deere E130

2