I own a Murray lawn tractor. Have had it for about 9 years. It is garage kept. In pretty good condition. I do all the routine maintenance. Change oil, blades, filters etc... have replaced the battery twice and soliniod once. No other problems. Today after mowing the back yard I parked it in the garage and shut it off to go get a drink of water. The key was out and the engine was off. I heard a loud electrical buzzing like a overhead powerline but much worse. Sounded like a real loud buzzing. I stuck the key back in and tried to start the engine, no go. Got off the tractor to see if the dead man switch in the seat would cut it off. No go. I was getting worried like it would blow up, so I pushed it out of the garage and disconnected the battery. Buzzing stopped. Pushed it back in the garage. About 2 hours later I reattached the battery. Positive (red) cable
1st. Negative (black) cable second. When I touch the black cable to the battery terminal the enginge tries to crank over. All I would need to do is give it gas (choke) and it would probably start. Heres whats weird. THE KEY IS IN MY POCKET (IGNITION SET TO OFF), THE BRAKE/CLUTCH IS NOT PUSHED IN (HAS TO BE TO START) AND THE DEADMAN SEAT SWITCH IS NOT PRESSED IN BECAUSE I AM NOT IN THE SEAT! It should not be trying to start. There are 3 thing that should keep it silent, but every time I touch the black battery cable to the battery it tries to start up. Is this a short of some kind? What do I do? My grass is almost shin high and I have a good sized yard. Any help would be greatly appreciated.- posted
16 years ago