1250 Engine quits after a few minutes or running
 

Hey guys,

I finally got my 1250 back together and running. The first time mowing I mowed for about 30 or 40 minutes without a problem, then I felt a miss in the engine then a minute later the engine died. I let it cool down and was able to start it up again with no problem and had to put it up due to rain.
I figured the new coil I had bought at NAPA wasn't working well, so I bought a new correct CC coil from the local dealer. Installed that and set out to finish mowing yesterday. After about 10 to 15 minutes the mower died again with the new coil. The mower would start up, but would barely run unless just at idle, if fuel was added it would instantly miss and try to cutout and die. I pulled the mower back into the shop, pulled the coil off of my 128 which runs great, installed it on the 1250 and started it up and just let it run. It ran fine at all speeds for about 10 minutes or so, then just like you turned the switch off it died. Would instantly start right back up, but would not run well above idle. The plug is new, the carb was rebuilt and adjusted. The only thing I noticed is the plug wire says Nissan on it. When I checked resistance on the plug wire it had around 6.8 ohms. The wire on the 128 had 0 ohms. The points were also replaced when I had the 1250 apart and timed per Matt's static timing procedure. When it fires up it does so without any problem. I am sure there is probably a simple answer, but I am not seeing it. Any ideas of what else I should look at or check. Oh the ignition switch and solenoid are also CC OEM new.

The resistance in the plug wire should be zero ohms. I use metal core plug wires.

I would suggest that you change the condenser and make sure the condenser case is grounded. There should be zero ohms resistance from the condenser case to the battery negative terminal when mounted properly.

You need a 'wire' plug wire. The plug wires from modern cars do not work right, as you've probably discovered.

Yup.....something on this order...

The resistance in the spark plug wire is causing the coil to over heat. A new wire with zero ohms should fix the problem.

I will go get a new wire Tuesday when the dealer opens up. When I took a good look at the wire and saw Nissan I knew it couldn't be good. Well then, that might mean I purchased a $60 dollar coil for no reason, but well, I need one on the 128 anyway, LOL. It's all good. Thanks for all the input gentleman. Will keep posted on the outcome. I can say definitely say that the mower runs super when it is running. I am looking forward to being able to enjoy some seat time on it, and get started making the 128 mechanically 100% with an engine rebuild and a new clutch and a PTO clutch rebuild. Hoping to make that my winter project, soon as I can find a reputable shop that can do the machine work somewhere within 100 miles.

My current condenser is new, should I pick up a another anyway? Of course I think you told me earlier in another post, it is good to have a couple on hand just in case to begin with. :)

New Kohler High Tension wire installed this morning on the 1250. Has run great all morning. Thanks for the suggestions gentlemen.

dx3, i know a good machine shop the northeast corner of alabama!! if that's not to far from/for you. it's in the same town that the group "Alabama" is from, Fort Payne!!! let me know. jeff

My grandparents retired there. Great place.