Toro Wheelhorse 8-25 - won't start - is there a reset button?

General Questions
#1

My riding mower slipped a belt, so the neighbor and I tipped it over on its side and worked the belt back into place. Then when we righted it, it wouldn’t start at all. Wouldn’t turnover - like there was an electrical system disconnect. We checked all connections - battery, spark plug, etc. Everything seemed to be in place visually (didn’t use a voltmeter - actually don’t have one).

Is there some sort of reset button or switch that’s been tripped that won’t allow the electrical system to work? I know there’s a button under the seat that will kill it if you stand up/fall off, but that doesn’t seem to be the problem - at least I don’t think it is. Is there another switch the kills the motor if the mower itself tips over and that needs reset? If so, where is it?

I’ve searched the web and even asked Toro.com but to no avail. Any ideas? The mower is about 7 years old, bought used, no manual/instructions.

Thanks in advance.

#2

I would suggest finding a continuity checker or a cheap VOM (volt-ohm meter) to more than visually inspect the electrical connections. Those “safety” cut out switches can be a bit persnickity at times and a $10 for a meter from Radioshack is a safe gamble vs. a trip to the mower repair guy. If you are a little bit handy you can gizmo up a flash light with some wires and electrical tape to function as a continuity checker and see if you are getting power through that button under the seat. If the mower was working fine prior to the belt slipping one of the safety switches would be my first guess as to the source of your problem.

#3

Often start problems are the magneto. That’s not indicated here, but if you follow the wires from the magneto, you’ll find a ground point where the safety interlock wires are also grounded. Disconnect these to isolate a wiring problem. (safety interlocks ground the magneto)

If your system has an electric starter, that can cause problems too. Mine uses a rope, so I have to pass on electric starter problems.

#4

A friend tipped a car onetime, not on purpose, and it wouldn’t start afterward.

Turns out, the pistons were sufficiently loose that the crankcase oil flowed past them and filled the heads.

After sitting on it’s wheels for a day or so, the oil crept back down and the thing turned over (with a large cloud of blue smoke).

You plugs may be fouled in this case, too.

#5

“its”

“its wheels”

I’ll go have myself flogged now.