Problems with GT 275... HELP?!

justicedealt · Nov 24, 2009

Hello, I am thankful I have found this resource. I hope that I can get some direction here...

I have a 97 GT 275 Lawn/Garden Tractor with a 48 inch deck. It is equipped with the 17 HP Kawasaki (although it mows like a 24 or so) single cylinder. The other day I was riding it and went to engage the PTO for the blades when the engine stopped. I turned off the PTO and when to start it up. NOTHING... it acted like it would act if I tried to crank it without the brake engaged. The lights come on, the idiot lights come on also. I checked the PTO switch by turning the key on, and I could here it clicking when I engage and disengage the switch. This told me two things, the seat switch and the PTO switch SHOULD be working properly. I pulled the fuses and checked them on the "mother board" on the ingnition switch. The battery has power, but I hooked up a jump box just in case. NOTHING.

I am not quite sure where to locate, or check the brake switch. There is a wire going up into the bottom of the engine through the clutch housing? It has a plug, so I pulled it and looped it with a paper clip and same results.

Any ideas? I hoping the ignition switch is still good, because that sucker is like $125 at the dealer for the part only... I do not think that is it though, as it was working fine, and the engine cut off with the key in the on position, but then again, it could be.

I also turned the engine by hand from the top, so it is not siezed. (BIG relief).

Thanks for any help that might be offered, and Happy Thanksgiving...

justicedealt · Nov 24, 2009

Also, this unit is meticulously maintaned. Thought I would throw that in there...

mfreund · Nov 24, 2009

Is the batttery good? When you engage the clutch there is a large voltage draw and could have been the last straw for a weak battery.

justicedealt · Nov 24, 2009

The battery appears to be fine, but even with a jump box attatched, it does nothing. I am assuming that it would turn over if the battery was the only issue if I had that hooked up, it could it still be the battery?

mfreund · Nov 25, 2009

Check the battery with a volt meter while attempting to crank, will answer any question. Are the cables good? and don't forget the ground from the tractor to the engine. It sounds to me more like a safety switch problem. I believe the switches that are needed to crank are neutral, seat, pto off, and brake pedal. Anyone, have I missed any?

ChuckinNH · Nov 27, 2009

+1 for thinking that it may be safety switch related. When one goes bad, or develops a bad connection it happens suddenly just as you experienced. It sounds like other things are in good order.

Barely Smokin' · Nov 27, 2009

I'll throw my two cents in here, FWIW. Because the engine died when you threw the PTO lever, I'd suspect the PTO "deadman's switch" as the primary culprit. Not sure what you mean by "I checked the PTO switch" but....I once had an issue with a mower whereby I'd throw the PTO lever, the mower would disengage, but the electrical switch would not. This was due to a binding in the PTO lever itself. The lever actuated enough to release the PTO but did not travel far enough to engage the switch. I guess the moral of that story is to visually verify that the switch is being cycled by the lever.

Re: jumping the switch, make sure you're jumping (engine-side) or measuring the continuity (switch-side) on the correct side of the plug.

'course, first thing I'd do is Google a wiring diagram, go from there. That way, you'll not only be able to jump individual switches but the entire circuit as well (for troubleshooting purposes only, of course). Then you can add switches back in until you find the one that is causing the problem.

Keep us posted.

rrriggle · Jun 28, 2012

I also have a jd gt275. i have the problem of it not wanting to run after about 45 min. you can let it cool down and it will run great again for another 45 or so. i have checked and even added fuel to no avail. have noticed that the fuel filter is bubbling but not full like it should be. could my problem be fuel too hot in the line by the rear axle, or bad fuel line or bad pump. have replaced the coil and the plug. any help would be helpful.