2013 ZRT 50 - "parking brake" and return line to gas tank (after engine swap)

jpilk99 · Apr 10, 2025

I recently acquired an otherwise Nice 2013 ZRT 50 with 300 hours, model number 17AFCACP056, but the previous owner ran it without oil and seized the Kohler Courage 23hp engine. I got a Briggs 24hp engine with the same crankshaft and swapped. So far so good. Two quick questions:

(And forgive my ignorance, but I'm not finding the answer on Google). When I go to start it, sitting in the seat, control arms out to the side, PTO not engaged, and when I turn the key... nothing. I hear the solenoid click and the display says I have 12.6 volts and 300 hours. But nothing. Thinking I need the arms pulled in, I get a red light next to Parking brake. Assuming I need to start chasing switches? Also, the negative ground wire that came off the battery had a lead that was bolted to the motor. The Briggs has not available spot to bolt that same ground strap to the motor - so I grounded it to the frame ...assuming the motor/block is connected to the frame ...I should be good.

On the Kohler, there were 2 lines to the fuel tank. The primary one that feeds the fuel pump, and then a return line. The Brigg's doesn't have any connection point for that return line ...any suggestions what I should do?

Thoughts? Thank you.

Jay

tomplum · Apr 10, 2025

I would start my diagnosing at the solenoid. You should have a 4 post solenoid. The two terminals which are smaller, one will need to trigger the solenoid when the key is turned and the other a ground. Of course, do the things you need to do to confirm the battery condition.
If there is no point for the vapor line on the Briggs , then just let the line from the tank hang out of harms way so the tank vents. Like zip tie it in a cleaner area. A note on a Briggs twin, the fitting could be on the LH side tin or capped in front below the air box. It would have to be old not to have one. But if there is no small line, it isn't set up for it.

jpilk99 · Apr 10, 2025

tomplum said:
I would start my diagnosing at the solenoid. You should have a 4 post solenoid. The two terminals which are smaller, one will need to trigger the solenoid when the key is turned and the other a ground. Of course, do the things you need to do to confirm the battery condition.
If there is no point for the vapor line on the Briggs , then just let the line from the tank hang out of harms way so the tank vents. Like zip tie it in a cleaner area. A note on a Briggs twin, the fitting could be on the LH side tin or capped in front below the air box. It would have to be old not to have one. But if there is no small line, it isn't set up for it.

Thanks as always Tom!!! I did go out after dinner tonight and found two of the connections to the solenoid were not tight, or as tight as I would have thought they should be. I'll dig in further tomorrow.

What says you about the ground wire coming off the battery, that was bolted the the original Kohler, right above the oil filter. The Briggs doesn't appear to have a location for a bolt to secure a ground strap.

Thanks man!

Jay

Gem99ultra · Apr 11, 2025

One more thing to check, be sure the blade engagement knob is FULLY down (off), otherwise you get the same symptoms. I've had occasions when I 'thought' I had pushed the blade control all the way down, but discovered after many attempts to start the motor that the engagement control was a little sticky and didn't allow the motor to start.

jpilk99 · Apr 11, 2025

Gem99ultra said:
One more thing to check, be sure the blade engagement knob is FULLY down (off), otherwise you get the same symptoms. I've had occasions when I 'thought' I had pushed the blade control all the way down, but discovered after many attempts to start the motor that the engagement control was a little sticky and didn't allow the motor to start.

Thanks Gem. Yes, I have made sure - I can hear the electric clutch engage and disengage. The more I dig in, I think it's start solenoid related. But Massachusetts decide to snow early this morning and now rain so I'm a wee bit hesitant to trudge out. But I'll let y'all know. Thank you.

tomplum · Apr 11, 2025

I guess that you are still in plenty of time to get the mower a going if you are dealing w/ snow! It sounds like you must have the battery grounded through the frame which the engine is grounded as well. If you find an easy ground point fine, otherwise a good frame ground is all that is required.