1440 Safety Circuit Help Please
 

Stopped running a while back. Found melted, dirty wire from battery to ignition switch. Replaced ignition switch. Also have replaced PTO Switch, Brake Switch and Relay by battery. The Reverse Switch has broken it's mounting connection and is just dangling in open position. Engine will crank and start. Dies when I take my foot off the brake. I can power up PTO with brake on ok. Engine dies when PTO switch is released to the run position. Battery cables all clean, fuse ok. I checked the seat switches and according to my analysis they are OK.

Can anyone offer any suggestions?

First, welcome to OCC...... :Welcome2:

Did you replace this wire with new...???

Replaced wire. Symptoms still the same.

So, you have the following parts new:
* Ignition Switch
* PTO Switch
* Brake Switch
* Wires in/around the Ignition Switch

Is that correct...??

Next, there are two Seat Switches. One switch (normally open) with BLK & PUR wires, is a safety for the PTO circuit. The other switch (normally closed) with ORG & YEL wires is a safety for the Engine (Magneto) circuit. Thus, a person must be sitting in the seat for the engine to run and to operate the PTO.

AS A TEST........ Remove either the YEL or ORG wire from the seat switch and see if the engine stays running. Report back on your findings.

Sounds like you need a new PTO relay also, if you have to hold the switch up to keep the deck running.

On my 1863, the PTO will release (stop the blades), if the shift lever is put into reverse. Part of the safety not to mow in reverse. Suggest checking the reverse switch next to the shift lever.

It is my understanding, that this is the problem.....!!!!

The Reverse Switch mounting bracket broke off years ago. The switch is just hanging loose dangling behind the dashboard in the open position.

I replaced the relay to the Port side of battery. Not sure what it does, just that it is new. Obviously for lack of smarts, I tend to just start replacing stuff...:)

OK. Looking forward to yanking the seat again.. :) May take me a few days to find the time.