OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions On Ride On Mowers Questions On Cox Ride On Mower Frames Old Cox Engine Problem

OK, I have "inherited" an old Cox Model 09F3 Compact Tractor from my Dad (RIP) which has developed a "not starting" thing.
I was mowing along when I saw some smoke escaping from a pile of loose cuttings and oil accumulated around the bottom of the oil filler near the starter motor. I flicked the grass etc away and the engine just simply stopped with what sounded like a disengaging dog clutch "clunk". The motor will now not start at all, the starter motor turns, the flywheel turns really fast, but there seems to be either no compression, or a disengagement from, the crankshaft.

I'm not sure but the manual seems to indicate that it has a "engine cut-out switch" somewhere attached to the wires that I see at the location where the smoke came from.
There's also a diode there attached to a connector,and I am wondering if that is burnt out (causing the smoke and the cut-out to activate). IF so, where the heck is the switch?

I'm not totally new at engine maintenance, but unable to lift the flywheel off to see if that's where the switch is.

BTW, engine is a B&S but I cannot find a serial number anywhere.

Hello John,
You can get manual for tractor here..... scroll down to find yours...
https://coxmowers.com.au/product-manuals/

The B&S model number is usually on cowl above spark plug...
I had a Cox slasher with 7hp B&S, self propelled....
cheers
speedy

Thanx speedy,
I already have the "manual" for the mower, and it is far from helpful wrt the motor.

I'll have another look for the engine number, but it wasn't ovbious when I looked a couple days ago.

Sometimes you have to rub a scourer over the front of the cowl to see it clearly.
speedy

Ok so to start the wires that come out from under the flywheel are from the alternator to charge the battery. depending on the age it could have points, but I think you may have bigger issues.

If it stopped with a clunk and there was smoke, and now turns over really fast I would say you have run low on oil and snapped the conrod. easiest way to check is to remove the spark plug, put you're finger over the hole and turn it over. it should lift you're finger.

That being the case the engine is basically a write off. you can probably pick up a new china engine off ebay on the cheap, being a cox they are easier to fit than a greenfield, although you may have bonnet clearance issues.

Oh and I should add, the only engine cutout is the kill wire that goes to the coil to shut the engine down. there is no mechanical clutch or anything in the engine. later cox's had a interlock switch that you had to put you're foot on to crank, but as i said I believe you have bigger issues

Thanks, I think!
The sequence was ... smoke from the area of the diaode, when I flick that she stop.
Oil - dipstick shows slightly below halfway between full and not.

Hopefully I can get out there after this bloody misty crap rain and get a look at it. It's under cover, but getting to it is a mud puddle atm!

Through the mud and wet, got a good look at the cowling on the motor and ... yep, there's the numbers! Not easy to see, but they are there, and are as follows ...
MODEL - 253707
TYPE - 0164-01
CODE - 84052811

I take it that the CODE is serial number.

OK John, Here's the manual and parts list....
https://www.briggsandstratton.com/e...lSearch.html?searchrequested=253707-0164

speedy

Thanks, speedy!
Those will be of some assistance.

When I get a chance, I'll see what I can figure out as regards the high speed turning. If it's a conrod, I'll likely junk the whole thing. It has had several mods to the deck due to being run into stumps hidden in the grass which caused the skirt to impact the blades with resultant VERY loud noises! +1 was far from impressed when she tried to start it after one such encounter! Adjusted with angle grinder = no more noises.

Anyhow, markets tomorrow, and a very early start to the day and lots of standing around waiting for someone to want to spend.

L8r
John

Consensus in the family (the mower was my dad's) is that if the conrod is gone the mower is ready to be junked.
Open to offers to collect it for anyone who wants it for parts.

Oh, and we might have sold the place, so shifting the Cox would be a step in the right direction.

Cheers
John

Should clarify ... the Cox has gone to auction "for parts only" and will be sold May 30.

I appreciate the assistance had from all here ... I'm not going anywhere, I'll be around to help wherever I can.