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.