rk 55 acting like battery is dead when starting

[Cbrightnow106]

my rk 55 acts like the battery is dead when trying to start it. it just clicks clicks clicks and then after doing this a few times it starts normally anyone else having this problem or does anyone know where to start troubleshooting this issue?

 

[RjCorazza]

When it does turn over the engine, does it spin normally?
Generally, the place to start is to confirm that the battery is good (load test) and then check / clean the battery and frame ground connections.

 

[seville009]

As described above, check all of the cable ends. Actually take yhem off, clean them up, and tighten them back on. It’s possible too that there is corrosion that you can’t see inside a cable.

 

[Cbrightnow106]

i will let you all know in a day or two if this helps. definately will check the cables and clean the connections

 

[Cbrightnow106]

When it does turn over the engine, does it spin normally?
Generally, the place to start is to confirm that the battery is good (load test) and then check / clean the battery and frame ground connections.

once you get it to where it will turn over it runs like a champ

 

[RjCorazza]

once you get it to where it will turn over it runs like a champ

The next step would be to measure the voltage getting to the starter solenoid from the ignition switch. A high resistance connection or safety switch can result in low voltage to the solenoid, which will cause it to click or chatter like you describe.

My ZD mowers experienced a similar problem and I opted to install a starter relay, which provides the 12v to the solenoid almost directly from the battery. It's a common upgrade done to problematic starting systems, and easy enough. If you need or want to go this route, there are numerous tutorials online, or I can post the diagram I used for mine.