rider mower starter

noquacks

update: cleaned everything. Its been 2 months, but finally got around to it (other DIY stuff- read my posts......LOL)

Now, just tonight, turned key, clicked every time! I kept turning ket on/off, and every time I hear a CLICK. Finally, agter doing this for 3-4 minutes (a long time), starter turned, and I cut grass. Now, no more playing around- I understand if theres a click, it indicated the starter, right? But when the starter DID engage, it turned very well. vigorously........

I got about 10 days max to fix before grass grows too high again.

Marty1Mc

Sounds like your solenoid is working. That is the clicking noise. That also means your safety switches are also working.

I would get a volt meter and measure the voltage at the starter when you turn the key. If you are getting 12v, then you may need a new starter. If you are getting less, then the cable may be bad.

noquacks

BIG thanks, Marty! Sounds like a plan! Now, lemme se, wheres my daughter.....ned her to hold down the clutch AND turn key sos I can measure voltage.....LOL

noquacks

Now, thing is acting just fine!!! Geez, whats going on??

I did spray engine with cleaner, as it was all crudded up, including the starter hot wire. After cleaning/washing/drying, thats when It started just perfectly! Could the crud all over that starter have insulated and prevented the starter from a good voltage ?

Thanks!

Marty1Mc

Not normally. Unless cleaning the motor cleaned the connection and allowed some of the wire to make better contact or the gunk was binding the starter somehow. Either way, it's a rare occurrence. I would expect the problem to return at some point.

I rewired my mower a few years ago. I bought a new starter switch, solenoid and 10 ga. wire. Once I finished, it went from sluggish cranking to fast. It's probably something to consider if this keeps up. I think all of the parts cost me around $100 from JD.

noquacks

Thanks. I will kepp an eye on it. Hey, at least I know how to jump the starter with a good cable if the switch/solenoid /safety switch fails. For now, I will mow and watch it.