I have a rally riding lawnmower. I think its from the mid to late 80's. It's got a 12hp briggs and stratton motor. The 5 prong ignition is rusted out and I was able to pick up a 4 pronger. I'm wondering if I can use this ignition. I was hoping I could just bypass all the safety switches and get away with a less prong ignition. thanks for any advise. I'm not sure of the model the hood is gone and it has no lights anymore. It has a 38" cutting deck on it. I'm hoping to get the ignition as basic as possible no accessories or anything just start it. Desperate my grass is a foot tall.

Shane Manford, June 2008

Not really. All 5 prongs are used ;-

Battery
Ground
Magneto
Solenoid
Load

I guess you could do without the 'Load' (which is a swiched live feed), but it depends - this feeds stuff like the electric blade clutch if fitted, and it would also depend on how your 4 prong switch is internally connected. Basically, you need ;-

Mag connect to Ground when switch is OFF, otherwise OPEN
Batt connected to Solenoid when turned to START
Everything open when switch in 'Run'

With the 5 prong switch, Batt is connected to Load when in 'Run'

The correct switch won't cost much - can supply at £10 if you're desparate!

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, June 2008