Berniebac
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2012
- Threads
- 25
- Messages
- 180
I picked up a Columbia tractor back in the summer for $50. It had broken a connecting rod and ruined the engine. So I picked up a used engine and installed it and got the tractor running. I kept all the parts off of the original motor as I thought some might be interchangeable. Back in the summer when I used the tractor I found all of the safety switches have been disconnected. I was a little disappointed in that, as I do not like to override the safety mechanisms, but for $50 and another $200 for a motor and some miscellaneous parts, I guess I shouldn't complain. The tractor was always stored inside and is in excellent shape.
Today I was cleaning up the carberator from the original motor, thinking I could install it in the spring and the tractor should be good to go. While cleaning up the carberator I took a rag and started cleaning the black and gray wires that go to the fuel solenoid. I found the gray wire was cut in two different locations, I believe where it used to wrap under the motor. It was not cut all the way thru, but I think the insulation was cut down to the wire. I got to thinking about that wire chaffing against the motor housing/heat shield and wondered if that could have caused the engine to stall frequently. If it did, perhaps that is the reason why all the safety switches have been over ridden. Maybe someone was chasing around trying to find a reason for the engine stalling and started unhooking the safeties. I don't know the history behind the tractor, or even if the original owner had any problems, but there has to be a reason that the safeties are all overridden. I think I will replace that wire if I can find out what gauge wire to use.
Any thoughts on whether or not this wire could lead to the engine stalling. Thanks.
Today I was cleaning up the carberator from the original motor, thinking I could install it in the spring and the tractor should be good to go. While cleaning up the carberator I took a rag and started cleaning the black and gray wires that go to the fuel solenoid. I found the gray wire was cut in two different locations, I believe where it used to wrap under the motor. It was not cut all the way thru, but I think the insulation was cut down to the wire. I got to thinking about that wire chaffing against the motor housing/heat shield and wondered if that could have caused the engine to stall frequently. If it did, perhaps that is the reason why all the safety switches have been over ridden. Maybe someone was chasing around trying to find a reason for the engine stalling and started unhooking the safeties. I don't know the history behind the tractor, or even if the original owner had any problems, but there has to be a reason that the safeties are all overridden. I think I will replace that wire if I can find out what gauge wire to use.
Any thoughts on whether or not this wire could lead to the engine stalling. Thanks.