CRAP!! HELLLLPPPP!!!

[csr0831]

Sigh...ok...I had just filled my sprayer with 25 gallons of weed killer and was just getting ready to start spraying when the engine on my old Gravely just died. Just as though I turned the switch off....not a sputter, caugh....nothing when I try and start it now. It'a P218 Onan...assuming all the safty switches are ok (theres only two...the PTO and the clutch eguagement lever) that leaves really only about two things. The ignition module and the coil. The engine had been acting up on occation over the last 6 month...every once in a while it would act as though I had momentarly cut the switch off and then back to normal. What is the best way to determine if the ingnition module and/or coil are bad?? Any help woiuld be appreciated...I've got weeds to kill!!! Thanks guys
Chris

 

[jinman]

What is the best way to determine if the ingnition module and/or coil are bad?? Any help woiuld be appreciated...I've got weeds to kill!!! Thanks guys
Chris

Remove a spark plug wire and hold it about 1/8 to 1/16" away from the end of the plug. Have someone turn the engine over normally with the starter. If a spark jumps, you are getting ignition. If you have an external coil, you can check for voltage to the coil when the ignition is turned on. You said an "old Gravely" and mentioned an ignition module. If it has a coil, it probably has points. It just depends on the age of the mower. If it has points, you need to remove the cover and check for voltage when the key is on plus check that the points are opening and closing properly. They might need burnishing and adjusting.

If your Gravely has a new ignition system, you just might be able to only check at the ignition and look for a spark to the plugs. Some mowers have a "hidden" fuse that can also be problematic.

I'm not a Gravely expert, so this is just general info and may not apply.

 

[zionview]

Pay attention to your spray load when you get your Gravely running. You'll probably need to re-agitate the load for 5 minutes or so to remix the chemicals.

 

[csr0831]

jim....thanks for your response. It is an older gravely, but the engine has been replaced. It a mid to late 90's vintage onan...as near as I can tell. It has no points....electronic ignition and the ingnition module and coil are on top of the engine. I know it has no spark...was just wanderin how to tell if it's the module or the coil. I suppose if it has voltage to the coild that eliminates the module? Of course, if it is continuious voltage, then it may again be the module...hmmm.

 

[csr0831]

Pay attention to your spray load when you get your Gravely running. You'll probably need to re-agitate the load for 5 minutes or so to remix the chemicals.

Good point, I'll do that. Thanks : )

 

[Iplayfarmer]

...the engine on my old Gravely just died. Just as though I turned the switch off...nothing when I try and start it now.

...The engine had been acting up on occation over the last 6 month...every once in a while it would act as though I had momentarly cut the switch off and then back to normal. Chris

You say that it gives you nothing? No starter? Not even a click?

I'd start with the switch. Do you get voltage from the ignition wire when the switch is turned on? Do you get voltage to the solenoid when the key is turned to "start".

I'd double check the safety switches too, just because it's easy and eliminates one more possibility.

 

[Fordlords]

The Onan Performers were mechanically among the best small engines ever produced. Although you have likely come across their one weak point- the ignition module- Onan modules are noted to give up the ghost (Along with everyone else's in the early days of engine modules, electronics just never seem to like the hot, vibrating environment around a small engine.) Should still be easy to source one online if that's what it turns out to be. Gravely+Onan engine= I'd definitely get it running again! You just can't buy something like that anymore

-Fordlords-

 

[csr0831]

It is running again. I went back out later and it started right up and has been running fine ever since. I am tending to lean toward a bad ignition switch or perhaps a bad electrical system ground. It definatly acts like a bad connection. I would think if the ignition module were to go out, it would not be such and intermeant thing. Still in all, I guess it could. As soon as I have a chance I am going to pull the ignition switch out and check that and make sure teh electrical gound from teh battery is good and clean, no rust and so on. Aside from this, the engine runs well and is strong, the only other complaint I could possibly have is that it uses a little more oil then I care for....but I understand that is the norm with these engines. Thanks for all the tips guys. I person can learn more in this fourm then he can from a book on the subject....lots of smart people here!!

Chris

 

[ToadHill]

I had an old ford that quit when the coil got hot. If it does it again try that.