Z915e problems, won’t start

That's a good one, unfortunately I have no clue

Is the air filter clean? When it won't start is it getting spark? Sounds like it's starved for fuel but it's hard to say. I know I had to replace the coil packs on my 717A that were causing the same type issue. It was running on 1 cylinder.

workinonit said:

Is the air filter clean? When it won't start is it getting spark? Sounds like it's starved for fuel but it's hard to say. I know I had to replace the coil packs on my 717A that were causing the same type issue. It was running on 1 cylinder.

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I replaced the air filter last summer. It seems clean. It was having starting issues and then I cleaned the carb and was able to mow for about 3-4 hours on Saturday and then I stopped to take a break. Now it won’t start. I’ll check for spark. It seems counterintuitive but could this be a battery problem?

Are the plugs wet with gas?

Redryder601 said:

I replaced: fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel shutoff solenoid, seat switch (because of pto switch) spark plugs and pulled the carb and cleaned it.

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When you turn the key on to the run position does the solenoid make a loud click?

Mine would not start without a shot of ether last year. Turned out to be the plunger was sticking, solenoid was still good. I could hear the solenoid pull in but it was a faint click. Cycling the key switch on and off a few times the click would get louder and then it would start without ether.

After running a tank of gas with 2 ounces of Seafoam per gallon through it, it was back to running normal.

It's spinning over? So are you getting spark? Turned on PTO and it died leads me to look at electrical safety stuff.

Those coil packs don't give any warning. They just go. Do you have to choke yours for it to start? All of mine were cold natured. I had to choke them or they wouldn't do a thing. The choke cable linkage on the carb broke on my 717 and it wouldn't start like that. It's hard to say until you figure out if it's spark, fuel or air.

markdtn said:

It's spinning over? So are you getting spark? Turned on PTO and it died leads me to look at electrical safety stuff.

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This was my thought too, especially since it sounds like you've already looked at / replaced most of the other usual culprits. I'd closely inspect all of the wiring harnesses that you can get a look at. Possible that something's been rubbing and finally worn through or you had a critter that chewed through a wire without you knowing it.

Update - I pulled out my old fuel solenoid and cut the plunger off at the threads, then put it back on the carb. It started right up and was good to go. I then went to drive it and when I released the parking brake it died. If I hit the pto it dies. Then I noticed that if the key in the ignition was moving or anything, the mower was sputtering along with it. If I bumped the key, it would die. I pulled the key completely out and the engine ran until I pushed the pto switch to kill it. I’m thinking I need a new ignition switch which apparently are a problem on this model. I’m gonna get one then I’ll give an update.

Redryder601 said:

I’m thinking I need a new ignition switch which apparently are a problem on this model. I’m gonna get one then I’ll give an update.

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thanks for this. I have the same mower, so I will know what to look for in the future if/when this happens to me.

I ended up buying a new ignition switch and swapped them out. It started up and everything worked fine like it should! Keeping my fingers crossed!! Thanks for the replies and ideas!!

Dr_Data said:

thanks for this. I have the same mower, so I will know what to look for in the future if/when this happens to me.

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No problem! It was the ignition switch. It had gone bad. Swapped it out and it started mowing.