Hi There,

I have one MTD lawn tractor for many years. It is a MTD 14.5/42” 7 speed model.

It stopped working during cutting the grass recently, and then I could not start this tractor any more. After then, I had replaced the new battery, new air filter, and the new spark plug. I had changed the oil only two months ago.

Now when I start the engine, there is no any sound.

I think it could be electric issue, or natural safety switches as I had to try several times to start it before when it was still working.
However, I don't know how many safety switches are on it and where they are located.

Could it be the electric starter? My tractor has one Briggs & Stratton 287707 I/C Model engine on it. If so, how do I troubleshooting it?

Many Thanks,

Eric

So it doesn't turn over at all?
Take and leave the key on, and try jumping the solenoid (make sure no gas is on or around you!! And you can't smell it) and see if it'll turn over... (it shouldn't start unless your on it due to the seat switch, if you want it to start, pull the kill wire off the ignition coil.
This is just to see if it'll actually turn over, and at a good speed.

Hi Thebriggsdude,

Thanks for your help on this issue.

I was going to try your methods. But how do I jump the solenoid? Where is the solenoid? The second question is what is the kill wire? Where should it be located?

I had tested out the auto starter is working. I took it off the engine and then tested it in my local NAPA store.

When I try normal start, I saw the meter turns a little that means the battery is OK, and my battery is almost new. Correct?

But just no any sound when I start the engine.

Thanks in advance.


Eric

The solenoid should be down near the engine, it's basically a switch between the positive battery cable... cuts on and off power (to turn the engine over) you just jump the posts with a screwdriver...

The kill wire is connected to the ignition coil... (spark plug coming out of it) and you'll have to remove the engine shroud...

Thanks Thebriggsdude for your quick response and help.

I will let you know later.

Have a nice day!

Eric

Why my ingnition does not work

My lawn tractor turns over but it will not kick in to start. Any suggestions. We recently repaired the muffler and hasn't started since.