Hot wire a max help please

[spookum]

Hi guys, im trying to sell a late 80s max, but i want to hear it run first. The key is missing in action but i have a plan. Is there two wires i need to make touch or do i cut them? Im going to then spin the moter over with the jumper cables hooked to a battery, ground to the frame and + to the old starter.

i guess im asking when the key is in the "on" position is the ignition open or closed? It also has the old 16 HP teschumse engine in it.

I did find the wiring manuals here on the web site, but im a bit wiring schematic illiterate

thanks for your help

[thebuggyman1]

Unplug the backside of the key switch. With the key off it grounds out the motor, forcing a no spark condition. Then you can run the jumper cables to the frame and starter...remember to only touch the starter, and pull it away as soon as it starts. After you have run the engine, you can just pull out the choke to kill it.
OR.....You could try a garden tractor key, lawn mower key, etc. They were common keys and not really meant to prevent theft. Around here, auto part stores sell generic replacement switches for about $12. But if a mower shop has a key....thats probably only $1.

[spookum]

thanks, ill give it a try. Any more advice? Just to be clear, if i unplug the key, it will (er should) run?

[thebuggyman1]

There will not be anything electrical keeping it from running. How's that?

[spookum]

that is sweet. aka, if it dosent have spark, ill be checking else where.