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12 hp murray riding mower won't turn over

15 years ago

Working on my son-in-laws Murray 12 hp riding mower,model #38608x92c - manufacturing date 2971.Has a 38" cut with dual cutting blades.Has the industrial/commercial engine.I have not tried starting the engine yet as I am charging the battery.The problem described to me was he believes the engine has froze up.I have tried turning the bottom pulley by hand but only can make it move an inch or so back and forth.Checked the oil stick after wiping it clean and show about a half inch of oil.Any suggestions or instructions on diagnosing the problem.Please bear in mind I'm a very amatuer small engine repairman.Thank you in advance.

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Comments (5)

bill_kapaun
15 years ago
Oil level should be between add and full marks.

Remove the spark plug before trying to turn it and see if that helps.

Posting the engine Model & type would be helpful.
Saying "Has the industrial/commercial engine" isn't very useful, except that it's a Briggs and you mentioned 12HP.
WHICH Briggs 12HP IC?

Do you know the approx year it was built. Engine code will show when that was built.
mich5187
Original Author
15 years ago
Where exactly can I find the engine code?The metal tag on the rear of the body says manufacturing date 2971.On the engine it says 12 hp i/c snycro/balanced.
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***" But the problem is in reinstalling the 4 brush plate and holding all the brushes in to get past the rotor."*** That part (referred to as "rotor"), is the commutator (in case you do try taking the starter apart). There are a few threads throughout this forum that include some methods for "keeping the brushes caged" during assembly. If you are going to attempt a "teardown", I suggest you research the older forum threads for these tips and techniques. ***" You can field test the starter on a bench with 12 volts."*** Yes, but not "just any" 12V source. Ideally you need to use a 12 volt automotive battery, at least as "big" as what is in the tractor, and that battery must be fully charged. Trying to use a small, low output battery charger will likely produce negative results. Use a set of jumper cables to a "known to be good" 12V battery for bench (or "driveway") testing.
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rcbe
15 years ago
Briggs Engine numbers should be stamped/etched on an exterior sheet metal part on the engine.

You can also check out the Briggs Model number identification video at the link below...

Here is a link that might be useful: Briggs manuals
mownie
15 years ago
Well mich, I should have gone further down the list before I responded to your post in the other thread. As a preliminary suggestion on your problem, you need to at least remove the spark plug from the engine and empty any oil or water out (if you can) and then fill the cylinder (through the spark plug hole) with some kerosene, diesel fuel, mineral spirits, auto trans fluid, Marvel Mystery Oil or any other type of thin oil or solvent (except don't use any highly flammable stuff like gasoline or lacquer thinner). DO NOT put the plug back in. Now, let it sit for a day or 2 and then see if the engine will turn, leave spark plug out until you get the engine freed up (if you can get it to turn).
mich5187
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you for getting back to me,I'll try that and let you know if it works.I also found the model# above the spark plug using a mirror.It's 283707, have also downloaded the briggs and stratton manual for that particular engine.Here's hoping,the mower is in remarkable shape to for it's age.Thanks again and I'll get back to you on the results.

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