Very COMMON MTD Riding Lawnmower PROBLEM, WON'T START - Blade Engagement Safety Switch

Will Not START. Won'T START. WONT START. How to repair A VERY COMMON problem with older MTD RIDING Lawnmowers SAME AS
(Yard Machines , Signature 2000 , Montgomery Ward , Craftsman etc...). Blade Engagement Lever and BRACKET WORN. Blade Engagement Safety Switch NOT ENGAGING CORRECTLY. HOW TO Weld Repair FIX. Problem Fixed. Small engine FIRE OOPS!
Music by my band BonzaiRod! Song ~ "Staging Lane'
Copyright 2018 Jeff's Little Engine Service
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PLEASE KEEP IN MIND when you are watching my videos: I am showing you the least expensive, quickest "backyard" methods for repairing or servicing your lawnmower. Replacing all components such as gaskets and fuel lines is always recommended when rebuilding or repairing equipment. With these videos I hope you are able to fix and repair your lawnmower yourself with minimal parts, knowledge and tools. Thank you for watching!
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[@2028end]

4:35 ... "Dudes, I gotta fire going on in there!!" hehe Best part! Glad nothing bad happened!

[@Crazy_D]

I liked when he tried to hold the lever back with his leg....NOPE!...LOL

[@kenair601]

thanks Jeff: you saved me a lot of frustration. Could not get that tractor which was given to me to start.Went out next day and did what you said and away she went.thank you, thank you.

[@sk2984]

Glad you left the fire in. It helps us stay mindful of potential problems welding on a machine like that. Thanks for sharing.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

The fire added a little excitement to the video LOL!

[@bruceboettcher9977]

Good point. Jeff also showed humility in sharing his oops. I believe humility is more important than skill or knowledge. Good job all around.

[@mtwseneca]

I'm just finishing a re-do on one of those, after seeing the wear on those parts I am going to put some grease there. I oil the snot out of everything that moves anyway, thanks for the vid. My first laugh of the morning was your fire episode.

[@kpswis9]

I wasn’t worried about the fire because you can fix it thanks for the video

[@marklevy1564]

As the kids say, OMG, what a lifesaver. Thank you Jeff I will subscribe

[@WROHRC]

Long story short . Bought a mtd off offer up for a few hundred bucks . It sat through our crazy Cali winter we had this year . Wouldn’t crank so came across your video and it was the same problem ! Thanks 🙏🏽

[@davidsteinfeld9123]

Holy dudes!! That is a real hot rod mower such a good thing the gas tank was far enough not to get involved nice repair

[@geneballay9590]

I have the same problem with my MTD, and today I am gonna try your suggestion. Thank you for postiing

[@clauslundberg9224]

Nice simple fix - thanks for sharing

[@knighthawk86855]

Now that's a handy dandy fix right there, thank you.

[@2028end]

@NuBz How else are you gonna fix the blade engagement safety switch?

[@costoncheatham7025]

I had the same issue. I found that if I held the brake down hard, it would start. So I was really looking for a break adjustment when I searched and found your video. I tested it by applying the brake, pulling back on the blade engagement as you showed and trying to start. And it worked just as you said. I'm not sure if I have room enough to put a small bolt in there, but I can definitely find some type of spacer to work. Thanks for sharing.

[@costoncheatham7025]

So I ended up replacing my interlock switch (brake/clutch), but that was not the problem. It's definitely the PTO switch not engaging. When I pull back on it and start, it works fine, but I don't see what drilling holes did to help you move the blade engagement back. I wish the engagement bracket was slotted where it attaches to the mower frame. Otherwise, I don't know how you'd rotate the bracket back. You don't show beneath the bracket within your video, so it might be a little different than mine.

[@SqueedManDan]

that fire and that hat! The video that keeps on giving!

[@brettcarson2590]

not sure if anyone gives a damn but if you guys are stoned like me atm then you can watch pretty much all of the new series on InstaFlixxer. I've been streaming with my girlfriend for the last couple of weeks :)

[@garyaxl5056]

@Brett Carson Yup, I have been watching on InstaFlixxer for months myself =)

[@jonsmith6477]

Thank you for this video I've spent two plus weeks trying to fix my mower. Watched this and fixed it in 2 minutes

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Fantastic!

[@Maik1968]

The hat 🎩 is amazing 😂

[@mariaparra1765]

Great video! Had a good laugh also. Got the mower started with your tip. Wasn’t the battery after all.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped

[@piranhafranky]

Thanks I can’t wait till morning to see if this is my problem. I purchased a starter solenoid thinking that was bad and I replaced it and it still didn’t work. I this could be my problem with my mower. My blade engagement lever would just drop in its own when I would start the lawnmower.

[@Crazy_D]

I'm goin out first thing in the morning to try mine, tropical storm or not...LOL

[@mikemackinnon5449]

Brilliant will go and try that with my mower after buying a new starter solenoid and battery lol but I think I leave the had that shocked me more than the fire

[@sweetlou5902]

Thanks for the tip and the laugh!

[@robbyjones7631]

Check the valve adjustments and leakdown to check rings, valves, and head gaskets. Check the float bowl and replace the needle valve. If the compression is real low, the valve seat could've come loose. Replace the head. If the rockers are real loose, check the valve seat. Check the spindles and blades. The deck wheel bolts wear and and the wheel can come off.

[@jrsmowerrepairandlawncare4179]

Nice hat man!

[@barjhealy]

Great video Jeff

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks friend!

[@redneckjesus1498]

Mines a mud toy I just cut off the very end so now I can pull it far enough, works great if you dont have a welder

[@motormouth2472]

Same thing happened to my MTD Tractor which is almost the same thing you have. I figured that's what the problem was. So I put something to push the lever back so that the tractor could start. Later, my dad and I messed with the wiring so that it could start even with the blade lever down.

[@kss8274]

I usually unhook the reverse switch on every mower I got. The blade lever having to be up doesn't bother me because it's less stress on the starter. But I hate having to pull up to put in reverse. So unhooking the reverse switch keeps you from having to do that

[@nickhawkins6601]

You just got a thumbs up for the fire reaction 😂😂

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

lol!

[@jamesal-hamadani221]

Thx man mine does the same thing! i will try that once i get home... You are funny tho lol

[@fleetwin1]

Thanks for the tip. Is there any way to adjust the safety switch for the blade engagement? What exactly caught fire? Love the hat!

[@alssmallengines]

My old lawn chief (MTD) does the same thing intermittently. Think I'll try that. But hopefully not set mine on 🔥...LOL j/k👍

[@alssmallengines]

Jordan Bronson Thanks for the info!

[@Dingeraye1]

Very exciting!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

LOL! I try

[@narezdog]

GREAT video tip!! I have the exact same MTD. I just changed out my blades and belt and now the MTD will not go into any gear and feels sloppy and disconnected. Any help you could give would be much appreciated.

[@theoriginalwiser5059]

Wooooooow sa marche/ its work j’ai juste jouer avec le bras sans soudure pour ma part merci /thank

[@jameshedrick6839]

I just had to do the same on mine last year

[@epiphgd4302]

Lol. Just got to the fire bit. Lucky!

[@QuaabQueb]

Hey Jeff, wondering if you have any ideas on an old MTD tractor that wont crank after it's been running for a while. Bu no crank I mean the solenoid does not even engage or anything. I just replaced it, along with the key switch. It's as if something is getting hot after the machine has been running for a while, and does not want to pass power to the solenoid. Starts up right away from cold, carb, starter, battery everything checks good.

[@marcoriverti3583]

good day! I have a 2001 mtd 650 tractor .. Can you tell me how to calibrate the blades? do you have a video about it? Thank you

[@AverageMaddenGuy]

Thank you brother

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Happy to help

[@ronduck2812]

Fire fighter video 🔥👌

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

lol!

[@chinaeastaroutdoorpower5122]

NICE

[@petercoughlan103]

Your as rough as Toast but I love it . Simple fix

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

lol!

[@bruceboettcher9977]

Okay. You can make this repair without commiting arson. Three years ago, I drilled a small hole near the trouble spot and screwed down a small washer that wouldn't let the engagement bar move too far forward. Since my wife is out on Ranch King right now, i can't include a photo, but you can figure it out. Best wishes.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

good tip!

[@smokine2001]

small hose clamp works great

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

good tip

[@mobservice7963]

Dobar dan da vas pitam imam istu ovakvu masinu,i problem je sa kosilicom ispod,non stop je upaljena i kada podignem ručicu na znak gašenja ona radi,da nema kakav dio da hvali,pošto ju davno nisam postavljao,hvala

[@epiphgd4302]

Any idea how to put a tow bar onto one of these?

[@watermanone7567]

Good fix Jeff: What kind of a welder do you use? I need a new one for small jobs and would like to see what you used. Thanks

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

It's a Lincoln Pro Mig 140. Cost about $500

[@kenmartin613]

Good vid thanks, I will try tmrw. Battery should be disconnected when welding

[@1988TheGoods]

The best quotes from this video: "Just gonna see if I can use my leg there..." *while welding* "... Doin this with my eyes closed..." The guy is Red/Green 😂 Video was helpful, be safe!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

LOL! I have been told I am a little Bob Ross mixed with Red Green or Tim the Toolman Taylor. Entertainment and educating is the goal of my videos! thanks for watching and the funny comment.

[@tripyramidpictures9224]

I have the same MTD ….What kind of carburetor for this? Mine starts and runs, but stalls and quits as soon as it warms up.

[@brandongalloway7895]

Nice video.i having trouble with blade disengaging with that style.blade true to turn while u trying to start it.any ideas

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

blade brakes may be worn out

[@brandongalloway7895]

@@JeffsLittleEngineService they didn't even touch the pulleys.adjusted deck some I try going up little higher thanks

[@aidenmyers7989]

We just got one of these it rides great it seems like a good mower is it?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

I think so

[@aidenmyers7989]

Jeff's Little Engine Service same thank u

[@sgtkrazykramer]

Gandalf left Middle Earth to come fix lawn mowers haha LOL

[@cliffandrews]

You're too funny.......keep up the good work.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks Cliff. I try to make my videos as entertaining as possible.

[@Crazy_D]

@@JeffsLittleEngineService I'm pretty sure that fire was without even tryin'...lol...btw, love the hat, I want one!...i wear an old dilapidated straw hat.

[@chippergarcia7473]

Jeff, I just started a rebuild on that exact MTD tractor as a project and for fun. Mine is so worn out there’s no model number to look up parts! Can you please tell me what the model of the red MTD is so I can buy new pulleys and parts from you!!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Sorry I don't have it anymore

[@balconyweeps447]

love the hat

[@TheWaterman1000]

My choke is stuck and won't pull out to help start my mtd costco mower. I have the hood off and now looking to pull the front off to get at the carb. Any checks I can do before pulling more parts?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Unfortunately it may need a new cable. Fortunately, they are not expensive

[@y.d.343]

I have a mtd task force model 130-651f062/95185 and i cant find a bagger that fits.

[@levicave4473]

I would bypass the safety before all that.

[@jacksonsinflatablechannel]

cool

[@Jsalrulz]

Fire is good for it.

[@RichardGoff-eg8wf]

I just shimmed up the safety switch that that lever makes contact with.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Great tip!

[@paulrevere4749]

Question: what is the best way to bypass that switch that lever depresses when it's all the way back? I want to cut the wires because my lever is completely shot. Does that switch connect the same colors together, or does it connect opposing colors?

[@paulrevere4749]

I want to make a toggle switch blade shut off.

[@2028end]

@@paulrevere4749 Did you do it?

[@yinkasantacruz6708]

When he opened the hood I thought oh he’s about to connect the battery for it to start until he mentioned fire then I realized he wasn’t bluffing

[@robreynolds5034]

Can I please get the md# to that mower. My tag is missing can’t find parts and documents. Thank you in advance. Rob

[@Turner2503]

I need a hat like that. I bet the neighbors would get a kick out of that.

[@Crazy_D]

me too!

[@Shawn-bk8qc]

I died a little inside watching that decal burn.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

lol!

[@Tmask32]

An easier way to fix this is to adjust the linkage. You can access this by removing the shift lever cover plate

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

good tip

[@philliphall5198]

That’s two simple and you can’t make a hour long video of noise and waste time

[@toddytwotones2905]

😂 that had me in tears

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

YES! LOL mission accomplished

[@TheTaR16]

I got a yard machine that is exactly like your MTD. Mine will start and run but if I engage the blade lever it dies. But if I'm in reverse it stays running. But like I said if it's in forward it dies. Any ideas I need help? Iv checked for something blocking blade, cleaned the carriage. Belts are ok, clutch too.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

one of the safety switches may be bad

[@Marc-Vickers]

My deck won't drop enough to engage blades. What's up?

[@hsv_hunter]

Funny as , dam I have a 🔥 fire using water to put it out. Hahahahaha

[@shawnlanders2034]

That hat cracked me up. I spewed water across the room

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

lol

[@sagshan133]

My mtd started shooting gas out of the exhaust. Any tips on what it could be

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

a flooding carburetor. The carb needs cleaning and or rebuilt

[@joegallagher9167]

Does ur starter req 2 washers on then bolts to line up the teeth to fly wherl

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

no

[@joegallagher9167]

I had to put two washers on the stater facing the moter the the starter then the bolts that's the way it came off so I tryed without the washers to close tryed with washers after the starter still two close so I put washer the way they came off back and it starts just fine again

[@choppergirl]

I cut another notch further back with an alluminum oxide wheel.

[@williamfris3835]

The big burrito!

[@billyfearon941]

Is there an oil filter on these old tractors?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

nope

[@billyfearon941]

@@JeffsLittleEngineService Thank you for coming back to me with the answer have a great day

[@D4x4Bronc]

Why did everyone hate these mowers with the big hump in the middle? Everyone said back in the day they were crap.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

i like em but a little more difficult to work on than a Craftsman

[@philliphall5198]

I have a water hose and spray end on it, I turn water on every morning when I open shop Can’t be too safe folks

[@dennistoft3005]

What will cause my engine not to start but it cranks but it's not getting pressure to the engine what will cause that and how can I fix that problem before I take the next step into putting it into a shop

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

check for spark, fuel and compression

[@daltonhayes3694]

My mtd clicks over but stops after a second idk what to do

[@pakoroutube]

You nearly had a "fire sale"..... My regards to the chicks.

[@jimmycarter9099]

Cable tie easy fix

[@garybullock1422]

NICE HAT DID YOU GET A FREE BOWL OF SOUP WITH IT !!!

[@doctorstrangelove8587]

Anybody has the idea what is the model number on this machine?

[@CivilRepair]

Any idea what to do if the engine seems locked? It turns 1/4 inch but hits something and stops. I pulled the spark plug already.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Dangman that sounds like a broken rod or maybe the flywheel is hitting the coil or something

[@CivilRepair]

@@JeffsLittleEngineService ok I'll investigate more. It sucks cuz everything else is great.

[@miguelangelvalderrama1808]

Where did you buy that hat?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Mexico

[@SF-fm7ov]

or your can adjust the switch so it engages sooner.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

some are adjustable I don't believe this one was.

[@ignacioreyes986]

Hi im have one the same but my blades dont turn off when im put the blades off sthill on

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

The blade pulley brakes may need replacing

[@TheWaterman1000]

Dam choke won't pull out. Any simple cks?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Probably needs a new choke cable

[@bobbysmith4538]

How do I change oil on a mtd riding mower that has the square plug

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

I think it is a 1/2 wrench or a 7/16

[@johncitizen3927]

ya really can't figure that out !????????

[@scottredmon312]

Had the same problem,lol.

[@XtoriezNovel]

My mower starts and moves forward until the blades are engaged. Then the engine still runs but the mower won't move. Any suggestions?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

something is fucky, maybe the belts are not routed correctly or it's the wrong belt or maybe on the wrong pulley?

[@carolynshealy8740]

Mine put on new starter and voltage regulator and key start and now I have nothing won't turn over nothing just sitting there any ideas.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

check Ignition switch, solenoid, safety switches, battery

[@jb3thegreatest623]

I can’t find a voltage regulator for mine

[@jb3thegreatest623]

Apparently the VR on mine had never been seen before

[@mercedesbritton2145]

Would the engine just crank beforehand and not fire, i have replaced the carb on my huskee and it still just cranks unless I spray fuel into the intake then it dies, new spark plug, new carb, and the carb is getting fuel because the bowl is full but it has an electric solenoid so idk, thanks

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

sounds like the carburetor is plugged. If it is a cheap aftermaket carburetor it may be failing already. They are crap.

[@crisprtalk6963]

How the hell does a Montgomery Ward tractor still exist!?

[@offgriddlifestyle2544]

nice hat

[@Jsalrulz]

I totally need one.

[@carolynboland7261]

my deck shakes a lot, what causes that ?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

bent blades or a damaged belt

[@wvwkndr79s]

Mine shakes because of bad spindle bearings

[@RealLifeSnowWhite]

This unfortunately didn’t help me out. Think it’s just time to go get a new mower on my end lol thanks!!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

check the drive belt

[@hotarutomoeofficial]

sick hat

[@gungadinn]

Government safety mandates cause more waste than save limbs or lives. The previous owner probably junked that machine because they ran out of ideas to find the problem. Same for the switch that cuts the engine if the blade is engaged and you shift into reverse. Hello, I need to be able to back up and mow at the same time. I'm the one one operating my equipment and as such, all of the interlocks get bypassed. If I don't want it to start or run, I can disconnect the battery or pull the plug wire.

[@heathertennant1560]

what statse do you live in

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Washington

[@heathertennant1560]

would you sell montgomery

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

yes it is for sale $400.00