Mower hours OH_NO

[biodale]

That is the way the john deere manual said to do it. So when I added it that is what I did. The wiring was already there for it.

Lawn care business tips

Sorry for the slow response guys, this thread started while my internet was down and I found it just now. First I will address points and condensor and then I will tell you why you probably don't have to worry about that in this case. To answer the question about the points, like Andy said, if your engine has points and the ignition was left on for any extended period of time (and the points were closed), the points are most likely burned up. When the points are closed, it creates a complete circuit that is in essence a dead short. And not only are the points probably shot, but so are the rest of the ignition components. The problem with leaving your ignition turned on is that this dead short will cause your points to burn up and can ruin the coil and possibly other ignition components and wiring. Below is an image I threw together with the paint program. The link below the image is a diagram I found online, though it is a nicer diagram, it is for a multi-cylinder engine like in a car and thus has an extra component in it: the distributor. Points diagram Now, the good news is, all the newer engines will no longer have points and condensors. They will all have a solid-state ignition system that is typically not even hooked up to the battery. This is good on multiple levels, specifically because you can start an engine with a low or dead battery if the engine has a pull start. Also, in a case like this where the ignition is left in the "on" position, it will not damage the ignition system since the battery is not even hooked up to it.

[Steve]

Now, the good news is, all the newer engines will no longer have points and condensors. They will all have a solid-state ignition system that is typically not even hooked up to the battery.

Does this mean on the newer machines that are solid state, if you leave the key on, it won't keep the engine hour meter going? Or it will?

Originally Posted by Steve

Does this mean on the newer machines that are solid state, if you leave the key on, it won't keep the engine hour meter going? Or it will?

The solid state ignition has nothing to do with the hour meter. If you leave the key on, it may still run the hour meter, depending how it is wired. It would be great if they wired them differently so that it would not run unless the engine is running or unless the blades are turned on. Depending on the wiring, it would not have to be that way I suppose, but sadly, most of them are wired that way.

The solid state ignition only means that the ignition components are not connected to the battery and should not be affected in any way if the key is left in the "on" position.

[Steve]

Good to know! So ultimately it's very important to turn that key off no matter what!