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Craftman mower, dies when I release clutch or engage blades

9 years ago

I recently was given a Craftsman Riding mower,model #917 270 670. 16hp,42" deck. I clean the carb,replaced gas lines,fuel filter,spark plug,oil change,new rear tires.It started,sounded pretty good but when I let the clutch out,it dies.The cable for the blade engagement was broken so I figured I also had to hold the blade lever down on the switch(interlock as I've found is the correct name) and it starts,then I can release that switch and it continues to run. My buddy and I got to looking and theres also another switch for the clutch peddle.He thinks possible 1 or both might be bad?? I then find out theres another under the seat or...theres supposed to be.None there and whoever the original onwner was,removed that switch and took the 3 black wires and tied them together.Could this be my culpret?
Thanks in advance!

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Comment (1)

bill_kapaun
9 years ago
The schematic only shows 2 Black wires to the seat switch,.
Tying them together WILL prevent spark.

Look at the schematic in your owners manual.
Anything that grounds the M terminal of the key switch kills spark.
IF you don;t have an OM, click the link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Owners Manual
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