Bolens TMO-3394704 - Manual (Page 19)

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
TROUBLE LOOK FOR REMEDY
Engine will not
crank Battery Installed Incor­
rectly The battery must be installed with the negative terminal, identified at the terminal post by iNeg, N or
-), grounded. The positive terminal (Pos, P or +) att=<ch6S to the large cable from the solenoid. The
sme'i red wire from the fuse holder or circuit breaker is also attached to the positive terminal.
Blown fuse or circuit
breaker Replace fuse with 7-1/2 amp. automotive type fuse. Fuses seldom fail without a reason. The problem
must oe corrected. Check for loose connections in the fuse holder. Replace fuse holder if necessary. A
det-d short may be in the cranking or charging circuit where the Insulation may have rubbed through
and exposed the bare wire. Replace the wire or reoair with electrician's tape if the wire strands have
not been vlamaged.
Note; Look for a wire pinched between body panels, burned by the exhaust pipe or muffler or rubbed
against a moving part.
Battery is dead or weak Use a hyaromete' to check the condition nf the bat'eny. The Specific Gravity (s.g.) should be 1.265 at
80“F. (1.215 i g. minimum needed for cranking engine). The reason for the battery failing must be
determined. (1) Defective battery. Battery will not accept or hold a full charge. (2) Short cir.cuit. Check
for grounded wire. (3) Charging system not working.
The charging system is an alternator loca cd under the flywheel. It is unregulated and rated 3 amp. at
3600 r.p.m. A diode (rectifier) is located in the output lead just before the wire harness plug on the
engine side.
To Alternator
The ciede changes A.C. to D.C. to charge the battery. A bad diode can either fail to charge the battery
or discharge the battery if the alternator is shorted as well as the diode. To test: (1) Disconnect charger
lead from the battery (small red wire). (2) Connect 12 V small test lamp between the 3 amp. D.C.
ctierge lead ana the positive terminal of the battery. (3) With tt.e engine off, the lamp should not light. If
it ooes, the diode and possibly the alternator should be replaceo. (4) Start the engine. The lamp should
light. If it does not, the alternator (stator) or load wire is bad ar.d should be replaced.
Mechanical failure
(Wires and switches) The interlock system includes two mechanical activated switches which are wired in series in the
circuit used to energize the starter solenoid. While testing the interlock system, you will make the
mcv;er temporarily unsafe by permitting the engine to be started with the blade and clutch engaged.
WARNING: Wtiile testing, disengage the clutch, shut off the blade control, set the parking brake and
place the gear shift lever in neutral. Attach a wire (minimum 13 gauge) to the positive terminal of the
battery and touch the other ond to the small terminal on the solenoid. If the engine does not crank:
(1) There's e loose connection or poor ground. (2) The solenoid may be bad. The solenoid can be
chucked by ur ng a heavy wire (#8 gauge minimum) and jumping be'ween the two large terminals. If
ttic engine cranks, the solenoid is bad. IT| If the engine does nor crank when you jump the solenoid,
ha.'e the starter motor tested by an .cuthonzed engine dealer. If the engine ooes crank, the pi'oblem is
with one ot the safety switches, ignition sv'itch or the wire between th; fuse holder (or circuit breaker)
-ng ih? smail tP'mlnal on the sr'eroid. Nole- bcc '■ <o's, poor t oil t-c'io.n a* 'he switcher or a Jefcc'.iva
switcit. Replace ,1 necessary.
Engine crariks
but will not start Throttle or choke not in
starting position Chock owner’s guide for correct position for throttle control and choke for starting.
No spark to spark plug Spark plug lead disconnected. Connect lead Hold spark plug lead away from engine block about 1/8".
Crank engine. There should be a spark, if not, have engine repaired at authorized engine service
dealer.
Fa:il*y spark plug. To test, remove spark plug. Attach spark plug lead to spark plug. Ground the spark
plug body against the engine block. Crarik the engine. The spark p'ug should fire at the electrode.
Rpolace if it does not.
19