jd 1742 hydro acts like a bad battery, but its not

[john1071]

my john deere mower 1741 hydro 17hp. 42" cut wont start. it acts like the timing is off. what do look for to check it. the battery is good, it will try to crank and then it stops like is off timing. sometimes it will start, but not for quite a while. thanks for any help.
john

 

[aczlan]

What happens if you jump across the solenoid with a screwdriver while trying to crank? There was an issue with not getting enough voltage to the "trigger" terminal on the solenoid and that was the easiest way to rule it out.
Also, clean both ends of the positive and negative cables and where they mount to. If corrosion builds up under the terminals, it can cause bad things to happen.

Aaron Z

 

[k0ua]

It is the dreaded Briggs and Stratton OHV " no start disease".. easy fix with a valve adjustment.. yep thats right a valve adjustment will fix your no start problem. Engine moves to TDC and will not break over to start.. I have personal experience. This is one of many you tube vids. You may also have fried your solenoid by now as the symptom puts a big load on the solenoid.

( HOW TO ADJUST VALVES) FIX HARD TO START Lawn Tractor with OHV Briggs Engine- MUST SEE- Part 1/2 - YouTube


James K0UA

 

[john1071]

thank you aaron, i will try that tomorrow
john

 

[john1071]

thank you james, after i check my connections as aaron suggested, if it doesn't fix the problem, that will be my next step.
john