Tecumsch won't shut off.

[Maniac]

I know I know its better than it won't start. But I am getting tired of pulling the spark wire to shut it down. This is on a 1984 Argo. I have checked the wires and most of the wires seem to be connected. With that being said there is one connection that when I connect it, the head lights come on and stay on. When it is disconnected they work fine with the key. It also doesn't make any difference to shutting the engine off. I think the problem might be in the switch. Does anyone have any other ideas?
Thanks

[kestianj]

is the switch grounded?

[coosaridgerider]

Put a toggle switch on your hot wire going to the coil.

[LarryW]

Hello Maniac
There should be a wire(black on my tecumseh) coming from under the flywheel cover some where. Make sure its connected. If it is, disconnect it and touch it to ground and the engine should shut off. If the engine shuts off you know the problem is upward the system, break in wire or possible switch like you said. I'm not familiar with Argo but assume the switch is mounted in plastic which would mean the switch has a ground wire too like kestianj Mentioned. Also depending on switch style, make sure the individual terminals are in the plug connection on back of switch.
If you have a multi meter with ohm meter it shouldn't be to hard to trace the problem. Good luck on it.

[james8719]

I had the same problem on my Briggs, the diode comming from the coils had a bare spot on them. I replaced the diodes and that fixed my problem.


Jim

[brushcutter]

Sounds like a ground problem don't it. As has already been said the spark is not being grounded when the key is turned off. Check for ground at switch, make sure it is grounded to frame or battery, check wiring for breaks, and disconnected ends.