682 - Stopped and wouldn't restart

[enigma]

I've got a 682 with the Kohler 2 cylinder (KT17S) engine. I was pulling my yard cart to deal with leaves over the weekend and backed the cart through my gate. Had the tractor angled up hill (may be a 5% grade) and shut the engine off. After dumping leaves, I went to start the 682 back up to find that it wouldn't start at all. Nothing - no attempt at turning over, nothing at all. It was only off for 5 minutes or less.

Checked the gas, oil (on the hill and again later on flat), battery - all fine.

I pushed/pulled the tractor back into the garage. Tried to start it up a few more times that day after a few hours and same thing - nothing at all happened besides the lights powering on.

Next day, I try to start it up again - and it starts just fine! Not hard to start at all. No smoke, nothing. (I usually get a small amount of smoke from the exhaust when starting it up)

I then used the tractor for a couple hours without issues - didn't turn it off at all.


I did recently change the oil, spark plugs (yes, they're gapped properly), and cleaned the carb.


What might have caused it to not start up? Anything I should look at to avoid this happening again? (Yes, I'm aware this model doesn't like hills - should I just make sure not to stop it while on a hill at all?)

Thanks,
Bob

[Sam Mac]

Sounds more like an electrical issue than an engine issue.

[enigma]

Electrical issue - Thats what I kinda thought but if thats true, its got to be localized to the engine/starter components I'd think as I do get proper readings at the battery and the lights do turn on with the key. Also funny that this is the only time this has happened.

[J-Mech]

Definitely an electrical issue. No, its not odd at all. That's how electronic problems usually are, all of a sudden. I'd be checking the neutral safety start switch (clutch/brake switch, PTO switch, key switch, and starter solenoid. Doesn't sound at all like a starter/ battery issue.

[Gaden]

Originally Posted by enigma

... it wouldn't start at all. Nothing - no attempt at turning over, nothing at all....
Bob

This is a clue to your problem, that's why others stated it wasn't fuel related, fuel has nothing to do with an engine's ability to turn over. Your problem is electrical, safety switches can be affected by heat when going bad, and can break thier connection "all of a sudden". The same goes for a dirty,loose or corroded connection. Vibration and/or heat can cause a loss of continuity, likewise,vibration and/or cooling off can reinstate continuity. Start with the ignition switch, and then check all connections (including the starter) for a dirty, loose, or corroded state.

[enigma]

Excellent. Thank you all for the quick replies! I should be able to get to this this weekend! (hopefully I can find all electrical/switch locations using the manuals I've found online)

I appreciate it!