ZRT 50 won't start (after running well, then sputtering, and died ...with oil light on)

[jpilk99]

Hi all,

This machine was running well, then started sputtering and died. Now I can't restart it - there's absolutely no activity/sound from the starter or anything. Lights come on when I turn the key, (dashboard shows voltage, hours, etc.). Oil light is on. I checked oil and it was low, so I brought it up to Full. Just don't know what happened.

Maybe low oil pressure switch or one of the other safety switches? Just weird that this happened while the machine was running fine - didn't hit anything... Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

Jay

 

[ruffdog]

Can you manually turn the engine over?

 

[Carl_NH]

Is this your machine and engine? Check the fuses first, then check the safety switches - seat, brake, PTO etc. Sputtering is usually fuel-related, check your carb if if has a solenoid - it should activate or click when you turn on the key.

Model Cub Cadet RZT 50
Engine model Briggs & Stratton 407577
Engine type Four-stroke, air-cooled, V-twin
Cylinders 2 - 22.0 HP

 

[jpilk99]

Can you manually turn the engine over?

I'm about to check - muddy as all get out and need to reach under to the crank pulley... This Kohler engine has a cover over the "plate" that spins with engine rotation on top. I'll report back. Thank you.

 

[jpilk99]

Is this your machine and engine? Check the fuses first, then check the safety switches - seat, brake, PTO etc. Sputtering is usually fuel-related, check your carb if if has a solenoid - it should activate or click when you turn on the key.

Model Cub Cadet RZT 50
Engine model Briggs & Stratton 407577
Engine type Four-stroke, air-cooled, V-twin
Cylinders 2 - 22.0 HP

Great questions. Fuse was/is fine. I haven't checked all switches but did disconnect seat switch with no change. Didn't hear the carb solenoid when I turned the key but where its at the bottom of the engine behind me, ... I may need a helper. Then I'll check other switches and then move to carb. Thank you.

 

[Carl_NH]

The total hours, and the exact model of machine and engine label would help here, and on the carb solenoid, the click is noticeable on the first click of the switch. If you don't hear a click, check and see if you have the carb solenoid, if you do, then it points to electrical.

 

[jpilk99]

The total hours, and the exact model of machine and engine label would help here, and on the carb solenoid, the click is noticeable on the first click of the switch. If you don't hear a click, check and see if you have the carb solenoid, if you do, then it points to electrical.

Not sure this is the 'right' Cub machine tag, (engine one is). If not the correct Cub tag - where is it located?

 

[RandyT]

Not sure this is the 'right' Cub machine tag, (engine one is). If not the correct Cub tag - where is it located?

Should be under the seat starting with either 17 or 53.

 

[jpilk99]

The total hours, and the exact model of machine and engine label would help here, and on the carb solenoid, the click is noticeable on the first click of the switch. If you don't hear a click, check and see if you have the carb solenoid, if you do, then it points to electrical.

Thanks again, Carl_NH (and all). Quick question though, re the carb solenoid: If the solenoid was bad, wouldn't the engine still crank and try and start? It just wouldn't run because it's not getting fuel up into venturi... Right?

 

[RandyT]

Thanks again, Carl_NH (and all). Quick question though, re the carb solenoid: If the solenoid was bad, wouldn't the engine still crank and try and start? It just wouldn't run because it's not getting fuel up into venturi... Right?

Correct. Should still crank but not start. Just wondering if the pto was engaged at the time it died. And has been overlooked while trying to restart.