Chapter 7 Flywheel Brake Systems; General Information; Operation; Bottom Surface System - Tecumseh ECV105 Technician's Handbook

CHAPTER 7 FLYWHEEL BRAKE SYSTEMS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Tecumseh's brake systems provide two methods of meeting compliance standards which has become a federal
law as of June 30, 1982. There are two additional methods used by equipment manufacturers that also meet
compliance standards and they are as follows:
1. Use of the blade brake clutch in conjunction with either a top or side mounted recoil starter or 12 volt electric
starter. The blade stops within three seconds after the operator lets go of the blade control bail at the operator
position and the engine continues to run. Starter rope handle is either on the engine or on the equipment
handle.
2. Use of a recoil starter (top or side mounted) with the rope handle on the engine as opposed to within 24 inches
(60.9 cm) of the operator position. This method is acceptable if the mower deck passes the 360 degree foot
probe test. A specified foot probe must not contact the blade when applied completely around the entire blade
housing. This alternative can be used with engine mounted brake systems and typical bail controls. The blade
stops within three seconds after the operator lets go of the engine/blade control bail at the operator position.
Tecumseh's Flywheel Brake system provides consumer safety by stopping the engine and blade within three
seconds after the operator releases the engine/blade control bail at the handle of the lawnmower. These systems
are available on both recoil and electric start models. The engine stopping time is affected by the engine R.P.M.
Consult microfiche card #30, the Plus 1 or Parts Smart Look-Up system, or Service Bulletin #107 to determine the
correct engine RPM or blade tip speed.

OPERATION

BOTTOM SURFACE SYSTEM

In the stop position with the handle mounted engine / blade control released, the torsion spring rotates the brake
lever forcing the brake pad against the underside of the flywheel, actuates the ignition kill switch and on electric
start models, opens the starter interlock switch (diag. 1).
In order to restart the engine, the handle mounted engine / blade control must be applied. This action pulls the
brake pad away from the flywheel, opens the ignition kill switch and on electric start models, closes the starter
interlock switch. This will allow the engine to be started by energizing the starter with a starter switch (diag. 2).
BRAKE
APPLIED BRAKE
RELEASED
IGNITION
IGNITION
SHORTED
OPEN
INTER-LOCK
SWITCH OPEN
INTER-LOCK
SWITCH CLOSED
1 2
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