Gravely only runs when key is held to "start"

[RalphVa]

I had a 12 hp Gravely. At one time, it failed to start due to a fuse blowing out.

That's a huge engine on your Gravely. I found the 12 hp too heavy for me. It kinda ate my lunch. Life is much better with my 18.5 hp JD 4010.

Ralph

 

[slaveToHorses]

You are getting two different fuel shut off systems confused. The one that 755 was talking about is for a diesel engine (in the JD755) and that is there to shut the engine down because a diesel doesn't have any ignition coil to shut off, you have to shut off the fuel to stop it.

Your problem will probably be solved with a new switch.

 

[goatchay]

I just wanted to update the status of the mower and say a very heartfelt thank you to all who replied. I really do appreciate it, I didn't want to leave the state and head back home and still not have the mower running for my dad.

I appreciate everyone's input, it's great to have so many people's knowledge on issues and in different ways to try and troubleshoot them. I hadn't thought of most of them.

Well, the final result was, as many suggested, the ignition switch. Bought a new one (for $40, ouch) and it fire right up and ran fine. I did notice that the old one had alot of slop in it once I removed it.

Thanks for the clarification, slave to horses. That makes alot more sense now. I was confused as to why that type of system would be used on a gasoline engine, thanks for clearing it up. Tomorrow my dad and I are going to try and get an old Wheelhorse that he has that has been sitting for over 10 years to run. It's not getting spark. Hopefully, that will be as simple a fix as this was. Thanks again to everyone.

Chris

 

[dqdave1]

WHEELHORSE; REPLACE POINTS, CONDENSOR AND CLEAN UP ALL RUST ON FLYWNEEL; REPLACE PLUG

 

[irvingj]

Glad it was something relatively simple!