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Yard Tractor

Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 6:07 am
by Jeff Silvey
I have a neighbor that is having trouble with his sears tractor. Its an older 12 HP vertical rider he said he can mow for about 15 - 20 min then it will shut down. He can start it back up then it dies again. I'm thinking it could be the condensor not sure. I told him to mow faster he just laugh. What do you guys think?
Thanks
Jeff

Re: Yard Tractor

Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 6:10 am
by Barnyard
Jeff Silvey wrote:I told him to mow faster he just laugh. What do you guys think?
Thanks

I think you're right, he should mow faster and quit laughing at you. :)

Re: Yard Tractor

Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 6:15 am
by Gary Dotson
Bill, can you imagine being Jeff's neighbor!!!

Re: Yard Tractor

Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 6:29 am
by Barnyard
Gary Dotson wrote:Bill, can you imagine being Jeff's neighbor!!!

I'm not too far from that now! :lol:

Re: Yard Tractor

Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 9:46 am
by Eugene
Which engine make? Where are the points and coil located - hopefully not under the flywheel?

Points located on engine exterior. Remove the points cover. Start engine, observe the electric arc at the points. Bright yellow/orange arc - condensor. Very small weak blue spark - not condensor.

Points, condensor, coil, under the flywheel. Complete tune up time.

Run time would indicate fault with coil. Condensor fault - engine will run - but crappy.

Re: Yard Tractor

Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 7:47 pm
by Rudi
Jeff:

It is probably a Roper with a 12 HP B&S engine in it. Very similar to the 12.5HP Deluxe model that I bought in Calais in 92 or so. The Owner's/Parts manuals are available on the Sears site if I remember correctly, but I know they aren't hard to find. You do need the model number and that is usually found on the chassis for the mower itself and the cowl for the engine. There is a troubleshooting chart as well.

Re: Yard Tractor

Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 12:16 pm
by outdoors4evr
Need a voting booth for this one.
I would put my money on a mouse nest under the engine shroud blocking the airflow. Engine overheats with the limited air flow.

Re: Yard Tractor

Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 10:06 am
by twotone
Funny you should say that. I was just going to trim a little with my push mower, and momma and 3 babies came out from under the shroud. They can build a nest fast as it wasn't there 3 days ago.


Tom