8N Short?

[trl]

starts then dies, ammeter shows discharge. Before problem developed, I took the starter and solenoid off the tractor, had them tested, reinstalled them. Battery was on the charger for 36 hours before reinstallation of starter. Fuel is on. For the short while that it runs, it seems rough. Have I shorted something? Any idea what?

 

[Soundguy]

does it ONLY run while holding down the start button? if so, wire to ammeter is on wrong side of start solenoid. it needs to be on bat side. not starter side.

if onthe other hand.. it starts..t hen hacks and coughs and runs for a minute or some time period.. then it's time to start standard diagnostics.

roll engine over and check spark. needs to be blue/white and snappy. not red or orange and weak.

plugs gap at .025.

points gap at .015 for a front mount.. or .025 for a sidemount

needs metal core wires.

if spark is good.. we look at air and fuel. air is an easy check by pulling off air cleaner hose.

post back some usefull details.

PS.. short? doubtfull... 'short' is an electrical jargon term for 'short circuit' If you had a short in the start system, she's burn wires turning over.. if a short in t he ignition.. you'd never get her to start.. and things would get hot.

the only short i can see that would do what you state would be a rare capacitor failure..

the opposite of a short is an 'open' condition. burnt points could show as an open.

test lamp inline with the coil should blink when you turn her over.

 

[trl]

Just right. Somehow I had misremembered where that wire went. Started right up and ran for hours.
Thanks.

 

[Soundguy]

cool...