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2025/08/11 21:21:15
Hartwa

Vlv60 Tecumseh

I have this old mower that used to run well and I am at a loss to figure out why I got no spark. I picked up a new coil and still no good. What I don't get is the green wire that is connected in the image runs right to ground somewhere under the flywheel. If I remove that connection I get spark. When I took it apart both green wires were attached like in the image. Note: I just laid the Old coil in there with those two green leads connected like I found it. If that green lead is always to ground then the coil will just short to ground. Is there a switch under the flywheel?
8 comments Leave a comment
Hartwa
Can't get the pic to load.
2025/08/11 21:26:12
SRTsFZ6
The tab on the coil is for the KILL IGNITION WIRE.
 
Ground out that wire, you have NO SPARK.  
 
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2025/08/12 07:09:42
Hartwa
Thanks for the reply.  I wish I could show you the image I have but I swear it was setup this way and ran.  I will try to describe the image...
 
At the bottom of the coil is a tab that goes into the plastic coil "pack part"...this tab is a Y tab for 2 connections.  When I took it apart there was 2 green wire attached to both sides of the Y.  The one green wire goes up the into the wire harness area...the other green wire goes somewhere under the flywheel and seems to be always grounded. 
 
I know it will not spark if that is grounded but it did run that way...so is there a mechanism under the flywheel that is switched somehow that stops the path to ground when in the starting position.  I cannot get the flywheel off yet since it is so rusted and I am out of acetylene in my tank to heat it up a bit.  I figured I'd ask if there is anything underneath the FW before I beat it up too much.  Also the lever that gets pulled back when in the starting position has a switch that I can easily see and seems to be working right. 
 
The model number of the engine is VLV60 502014C and the mower is a Areins 911027
2025/08/12 07:47:10
SRTsFZ6
Here's your engine diagram:
 
https://www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/manufacturer/tecumseh/4-cycle-vertical/vlv60/vlv60-502014c/engine-parts-list-vlv40
 
Seems your safety brake is under the flywheel among other things. 
The pic isn't very clear but somewhat helpful.  The safety brake usually
works in conjunction with a kill ignition wire that runs up to the coil. 
 
It also appears to have a "Y" in that loom..
 
Sooo, I suspect that may be one of the wires..
 
I 'd pull the flywheel to get a better idea what's going on..
 
.  
 
2025/08/12 08:45:25
Hartwa
That sucker wont come off...I had a lot of pressure on it last night with the puller.  I would bet its on there for 30 years or so.
 
Looking at the schematic...it looks like the brake under the FW is connected somehow to the lever switch 191b.  I can clearly see the switch and when I pull the cable to the start position the switch activates on a stop on plate 205.  I don't see any other connection coming off that lever though.  Something broke off and fell away maybe.
2025/08/12 09:31:40
SRTsFZ6
Go to the ten minute mark of this video:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYVjw7fw8RU&t=339s
 
It'll come off.   I've used this method 99% of the time with great results...
 
 
 
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2025/08/12 11:18:37
Hartwa
Thanks got it off....there was all kinds of crude under the FW preventing the lever to slide all the way and contact the switch. I am talking about the switch under the FW. It runs with 1 pull now....

The problem now is that the belt just slips on the drive sheave for the self propelled. I only got like 10 mows on that belt last yeatlr.....weird. I pick up the back wheels and engage and the friction plate stops spinning with the belt.
2025/08/13 08:15:07
SRTsFZ6
https://www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/manufacturer/ariens/walk-behind-lawn-mowers/self-propelled-and-push-lawn-mowers/911027-000101-lm21sb-5hp-tec-recoil-21-self-propelled-bbc/engine-and-belt-drive
 
It doesn't appear to be a simple set up :(  .
I would inspect the drive unit and compare it to the parts diagram above.
 
I suspect something is very worn (and sloppy) causing issues.  
Might want to release any tension springs making it easier to feel for 
anything worn.  
 
Start at say the crankshaft/friction disc, make sure that's working correctly
and then go on to the next part, again looking for worn bushings, etc...
 
 
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2025/08/13 12:38:10

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