Robbin 22hp Engine

ldabe · Apr 23, 2008

Peter,
Thanks.
By the way, just a note to others when you trailer your PT.

I put mine on a different trailer and "backed it on". The trailer was just long enough to put the PT on and close the gate.

When I went to take it off, I got a 'tick-tick-tick'! My heart sunk...because I immediately relised I could not open the engine compartment to 'jump' the battery...and it was raining...and I needed to finish a job in town.

I bowed my head and said "please Lord, let this start"...and turned the key again..."PRAISE THE LORD"! It started!

I will always be careful of which way I trailer, that if I have to I can get to the engine compartment.

Just something to keep in mind...Oh! And always Praise the Lord Jesus Christ ;~)

BillCroasmun · Apr 24, 2008

ldabe,
Reminds me of a time I ran out of gas on a smapp slope next to the road. It was wet there and I had just passed a tree. Went to get the gas can and when I came back the PT had slid in front of the tree just enough to keep me from opening the compartment to get gas into it.

I ended up pulling it with the Explorer just enough to open the engine compartment and fill up.

ponytug · Apr 24, 2008

If you get out there, you're going to have great stories. Thanks for sharing!

All the best,

Peter

ldabe · May 11, 2008

One more thing on batteries and engine.

I was going to wait until the end of summer to get a new battery, but didn't quite make it.
I went out to mow today and after about 30 min. the PT just quit. It was like someone just reached over and turned the key off.
I turned the PTO to the off position.
In fact when I turned the key to the off position, then back to the start position there was nothing. Zero!
I checked wiring and fuses, everything looked good. Turned ignition to start, and she started right up. Well, praise the Lord!
Continued to mow for another 30 min. approx. and she died again.
I thought maybe the fuel line, was the culprit but, after checking it and then thinking about it, I didn't think it would stop that fast and immediate if it were fuel restriction, so I nixed that thought.
Turned key, started up again! Went this time for about 15 min. and it did it again. I waited less than a minute and turned the key, it started right up.
This time it was less than 5 min. when it died again. So, I really started checking things closely. Long story short (hard to do, I am a minister) the battery was leaking acid around the neg. post. So, the ardious process of removing and installing a new battery began.
Happy to say that did the trick, starts and runs great, no dying.
Just something to keep in the back of your mind if your PT stops as if someone turned the key off.
Enjoy the summer my friends.

BobRip · May 11, 2008

This does not sound so much like the battery. I had a similar problem and it turned out to be the fuse holder coming off the starter motor. This supplies power to the fuel shutoff solenoid (and other things). The wires in it become loose and make erratic connection. Wiggle the fuse holder while the engine is running and see if the problem reoccurs. A failing battery will probably not shut down the engine. Particularly if it starts the engine at a later time. The battery is only there for starting and is not needed while running above idle. You would have to have multple cells in the battery short simultaneously to shut down a running engine, and them have all of them heal themselves, to be able to start it later. An extremely improbable occurance. It's probably good that you replaced the battery, but you many have another problem.
Disclamer: I am not a battery expert, but I do play one at work.

cqaigy2 · May 12, 2008

I had a battery post break inside the case and the rig would start then stop, everything tight and relatively clean except for around the neg post a little dampness. Disconnected the battery clamp and discovered the post would rotate.

But most of my "battery" woes turned out to be open connections from broken wires to corroded/lose connections.

DHS · May 12, 2008

Bobrip has a point about the battery. Several times I thought my battery failed and when I had it tested it was fine. Twice I replace failed battery cables. I purchased my PT-422 in May 2002 and I have the original battery.

Obviously, your battery may have failed but it would not hurt to have it checked before you replace it.

Dale

ldabe · May 13, 2008

Well, I still have to accuse the battery.

Put a new one in and though I have only used the PT for about an hour after installing the new battery, I have not had any shut downs.

Runs good! (shhh! not so loud)

So at this point in time, the battery seems to have been the problem.

I will let you all (yankee for ya'll) know if the problem starts again.

DHS · May 13, 2008

Yesterday, after my post concerning your battery my PT would not start because of a low battery. I thought well it is six years old time to replace it. I remembered my advice to check and make sure the problem is the battery.

I charged the battery and started my PT. The voltage across the battery terminal remained at 12.5 vdc with the engine at idle and max speed. Not a good indication. I checked the AC voltage from the charging coil leads going to the voltage regulator. The AC voltage varied from 20 vac at idle to 44 vac at maximum rpm. I pulled the voltage regulator and notice a section of the back melted. I ordered a replacement.

Dale

Skalini · Dec 10, 2010

My PT422 gave me a little trouble starting this morning. Wisconsin 17 degrees didn't help. I have always heard the Robing engines don't like the cold. I put a charger on the battery for about 45 mins and she fired up. I like the idea of the magnetic heater. I will try that next. I'm also replacing the starter. I have to jump the selenoid to start it now. What a stunt this is turning out to be. Sure would be nice if the sides could fold down without compromising the frame strength. I took the old starter out, tomorrow could be a interesting putting the new one in. I sure like my PT.