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mygator14 · Aug 25, 2009, 03:03 PM

I have a Craftsman 917255450 lawn tractor that will not start. I have troublshot all the switches and they are working. The engine will turn over, but will not start. There is plenty of gas going to the carb. I checked for voltage at the Ingition Module connector and I have no voltage in either the on or start position. The wiring schematics that I have is in the owners manual, but the wire color changes at a connector. The schematics shows the wire from the ignition switch to the ingition unit. There is also a after fire solenoid shown in the schematics, I can't find that on the mower and what does it do? Can enyone help before I beat this thing with a hammer.

crigby · Aug 25, 2009, 03:55 PM

Hi,
You will need to correct your model number to 9 digits for me to look it up. At any rate there should be no voltage on the wire going to the coil; it should be at ground in the off position and no connection in on or start positions. Fuel shutoff solenoid (afterfire) should be at the base of the carb in a position to shut off fuel to the main jet.
Peace,
Clarke

mygator14 · Aug 26, 2009, 08:02 PM

I looked at the numbers and it is 9 that I posted. It's not on the header, I typed to many numbers. I saw the solenoid that you mentioned. So that just shuts off the fuel to the main jet? I know I have plenty of fuel to and in the carb. How does the engine get it's spark to start? I have put a screw driver in the spark plug wire and once in a blue moon I will get one weak spark. I have done this in the past and reconnected the wire to the spark plug and it started.

crigby · Aug 26, 2009, 08:58 PM

Hi,
You seem to have a Kohler engine. You would simply unplug the 4 prong plug just to the rear of the carb (usually it is 4 prong) and check for fire. The fuel solenoid will not work nor the charging systen, but the engine is isolated from the frame (rest of the machine) and that allows you to know which is at fault.
Peace,
Clarke

mygator14 · Aug 27, 2009, 02:55 PM

Well I unplugged the connector you mentioned and no spark. Do I need to jump any of the wires at the connector? Could the ignition module be bad?

crigby · Aug 27, 2009, 04:30 PM

Hi,
With the connector unplugged, the only thing to prevent fire is the module. Jumping would be required to charge and possibly open the fuel solenoid; nothing else. Sounds like a bad module.
Peace,
Clarke

mygator14 · Aug 27, 2009, 08:12 PM

Thanks for all your help, I'll go buy one and see.