Tonight when I was out moving my lawn, my electric mower started to emit a smell of burning rubber and started to smoke, also, the rumble of the engine went from its usual deep, loud roar to a shriller quieter whir. I use a Craftsman 19in. Electric Lawnmower. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what the problem might be or where I could find a users or service manual for this mover. Also, after reading mgvlaw's post I began to think that the problem on mine could be explained by a bad belt (which would explain the burning rubber smell), and I was wondering how would I go about checking the belt. Thank you.

labman

I am not familiar with that style mower. Likely it has a guard over the belt. It may sort of form a triangle between the center of the 2 blades and the motor. Once you have the guard off, look at the belt. If it doesn't look hopeless, hard, cracked and pieces missing, look for an adjustment. It might be a bolt you loosen and slide the motor to tighten up the belt. If the belt is shot, you might try Sears. If they give you nonsense about not having them anymore, try a hardware or automotive store.

ardvark50

I disassembled it this afternoon and it seems there is no belt, the engine is bolted directly to the blade. The only thing that I could find wrong with it is that in the mass of copper wire that spins between the magnets in the motor one of the copper strands was severed. Could this be the problem?

labman

It certainly would be worth trying to splice it.

ardvark50

To splice it should I sauder or use electrical tape?

labman

Chances are, you do not have much extra wire to work with. Best bet might be a Sta Con or other brand of crimped connectors. If you need to, you should be able to pick up a kit with assorted connectors and a crimping tool for a couple of bucks. It is the quickest, easiest way to make secure electrical connections. The electrical wires may look bare, but actually they have a thin layer of varnish on them. You may need to scrape it off the short end the Sta Con contacts. Twisting the wires together and taping will not make the secure connection you need.

ardvark50

I'll try it. Thanks for the input.