Model number 917.270821, 2 cylinder BS, looked up IPL has 3 safety interlocks. Clutch and PTO have same part number. For trouble shooting I have bypassed the seat switch. I'm really weak in electrical.

I have 2 problems,when 1st starting the engine spins good but I can only see a weak spark and unit wont start. I hook up a briggs spark tester touch the uncovered leg of the tester and the unit starts up and runs fine.

After unit is running if I let the clutch out it dies, engage the PTO it dies. Neighbor has same unit we removed 1 of his switches and metered mine and he said they work.

Any ideas?

TIA