Hi all - I'm new to this forum and this is my first post. I tried searching for my issue, and found some stuff helpful, but not what I was looking for. Hoping someone smart can assist....
I have a Craftsman flathead mower, built in 1993 (93101556), Briggs and Stratton L head model 124802-3230-01. I have never worked on it until this year when I finally took it apart to lap the valves, replace primer bulb, etc. Actually, I am surprised it still runs, given how little maintenance I have done on it. For a 24 year old engine, it has never failed me and the carbon build up was less than I expected.
My problem is not so much a problem, but a confusing issue. When cleaning up this engine and waiting for parts such as gaskets etc., I ran an ohm meter across the stop switch. I expected no continuity when the safety bail is held down (operating), and continuity when the bail is released (coil shorted to ground). But I have continuity of about 3 ohms....even when the contact points of the safety switch are open and continuity when the points are closed. Weird....the mower runs fine, and shuts off when the bail is released.
Whats up? First of all why is the engine even stopping when I release the bail? Is this because the brake is sufficient to stall the engine? (Kudos for B&S for a two part safety system I guess).
What am I measuring at 3 ohms here? Is it stator? Is my elemental knowledge of these stop switches correct, or am I missing something???
Thanks in advance guys. Any help appreciated.View attachment 31107
I have a Craftsman flathead mower, built in 1993 (93101556), Briggs and Stratton L head model 124802-3230-01. I have never worked on it until this year when I finally took it apart to lap the valves, replace primer bulb, etc. Actually, I am surprised it still runs, given how little maintenance I have done on it. For a 24 year old engine, it has never failed me and the carbon build up was less than I expected.
My problem is not so much a problem, but a confusing issue. When cleaning up this engine and waiting for parts such as gaskets etc., I ran an ohm meter across the stop switch. I expected no continuity when the safety bail is held down (operating), and continuity when the bail is released (coil shorted to ground). But I have continuity of about 3 ohms....even when the contact points of the safety switch are open and continuity when the points are closed. Weird....the mower runs fine, and shuts off when the bail is released.
Whats up? First of all why is the engine even stopping when I release the bail? Is this because the brake is sufficient to stall the engine? (Kudos for B&S for a two part safety system I guess).
What am I measuring at 3 ohms here? Is it stator? Is my elemental knowledge of these stop switches correct, or am I missing something???
Thanks in advance guys. Any help appreciated.View attachment 31107
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