I have an Ariens 824 snow blower.

It starts and runs fine, EXCEPT:

The key switch will not turn it off. Have to pull the plug wire.

The key switch tests fine with an ohm meter.

Any ideas?

 

follow the wire, it must be broken somewhere, my chainsaw is the same. broken kill wire

 

The switch should have continuity when off, and be open to run.


This is a mag ignition, right?

 

The wire should run down to the base of the engine where it connects to a male spae lug. The switch I believe grounds thru it's mounting so if the wire is good and connected clean up where the switch mounts....iir I will snap a pic at my moms she has an Ariens w that setup, mine is a little different where the throttle incorporates the kill switch. Btw since it's a mostly vintage car forum mine is a 1971 ariens I've owned for the last 23 yrs, my moms is a new one 1979, I picked it up for her when her 1983 ariens one wore out after only 26 yrs....they just don't make the new ones a robust as the older ones lol

 

I mentioned my new snowblower woes in another thread, gave my 27 year old Toro away after buying a new Snapper two years ago, what a mistake!

 

I wish I hadn't left my '59 SnowBoy (OMC / LawnBoy company) at an old house - that little thing was no powerhouse, but it was just a crazy little monster.

As for the Ariens, yeah, it should be a simple kill wire, it will go to the coil, and there is a broken connection somewhere. Easy fix, or just close the throttle with your finger when you're done using it, and hold it 'till it stops (it'll be a little spring-loaded tab on the carb connected to the governor inside the motor by a stiff straight wire).

- Eric

 

I bought an Ariens riding mower last year. What a piece of junk. Within a week the parking brake was broken, and the float was sticking. I should have taken it back but thought fixing would be easier.