Need help with 1200
 

I have a 1200 I have been using for years. I am now having problems. I want to keep it and get it running right as I don't see an adequate replacement for it with today's products. I have had the clutch replaced, rebuilt the engine (I had the engine rebuilt because it blew out the spark plug twice, WHY?) and installed a new PTO clutch, all by repair companies. But if I can't tell them the problem they seem to be lost.

Now if I run the mower for 10 to 15 minutes, it will begin to lose power, miss and cut out. WHY? Yesterday it actually started to smoke. WHY? The repair guy says it keeps burning out the points. If this is so , WHY?
I can do some work myself, but I need some insight.

THANKS,
BigDon

Possibly a bad condenser and or Coil. Will it completely die, or just cut out real bad after it starts acting up? I am sure some of the other guys will have some good tips for you to try also.

Thanks for your reply. Whem it act up, I reduce the throttle and cut off the PTO. It does not stop then but it makes me think that it will if don't do it. I will look in to your suggestion.
BigDon

Make sure you have a resistor coil. (one with a built in resistor)
a non resistor coil will burn the points.
And even if it is a resistor coil it could still be going bad and need replacing. Run it for a few minutes and it starts getting warm and acting up.
Just my :TwoCents:

:Welcome2: seeing how this is only your second post....

The others have already given you good advice, so I will just add that your old problem of blowing the spark plug is due to the threads for the plug being worn out. Usually, when that happens you can helicoil it and it will work just fine. You are certainly right about the lack of adequate replacements for these machines. That's one of the main reasons why so many of us keep them around!!

Cub Cadet 123

Thanks, Diz Jr.,

Yours is the first reasonable explanation for why the points kept burning out. I saw on a post that one needs know which coil to get. I am goint to pick up the right coil, condensor and points tomorrow. Will let you know how things went.

Thanks,
BigDon

I did the helicoil the first time the plug blew. When it blew the second time I concluded there was an engine problem and decided to rebuild the engine.