265 weird starting and mower blades not engaging

[wxokic]

265 lawn tractror with a kawasaki 540v sb00 engine. nothing happens when I turn the key, new battery thats charged. when I put a 500amp jump starter on it, it starts fine I then take the jump starter off it stays running but the mower won't engage. no start with out the jump starter. I start the tractor with the jump starter then leave the jump starter on and the blades engage, idle the tractor take the jump starter off then the blades won't engage. it has a new togle switch to engage the mower. it's about 28 years old is has a generic starter alternator is the problem the coil? starter alternator? the battery is good putting out 12.5 any thoughts? Help!! NO START WITH OUT JUMP NOW MOWER WITH OUT JUMPER BRAND NEW OFF THE SHELF BATTERY

 

[bruceatlam]

I responded to you over on MTF ---- you can check there. I'll add to that response here. You might want to check your charging circuit ---- the battery may not be charging. Easiest way to check is to check the voltage at the battery with the tractor running. Should be 14.3 volts or there abouts.

 

[wxokic]

new battery right off the shelf same result. could it be the coil? tomarrow I'll check the charging system

 

[bruceatlam]

While you're at it, check all the cables closely --- make sure that the connections at the battery are clean and tight. Check your ground connections to the frame --- same thing: make sure that they are clean and tight. Check the cables to make sure that you don't have any breaks in the cables -- particularly close to the ends.

 

[wxokic]

Thank you all,

Their was a cristlization on the positive battery cable terminal, I had to scrap it off with a utility knife. eveything works fine now and im getting 14.17 at the battery with the tractor running.

Thanks again,
A broke welder

 

[Richard001]

All's well that ends well.

Glad you found the problem. This happens a lot.

Richard

 

[DJRuss]

One of these would have worked great also. Just don't get too aggressive with them.



Nice choice of GT btw. I just got one and am sprucing it up a little.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I had a similar problem while assisting my neighbor lady. Her Jeep would only click when attempting to start, even with jumper cables. Starter was getting juice, just not enough. Finally traced it to a corroded positive cable. The corrosion was completely hidden under the rubber insulation and all the terminal clamps were clean with no signs of corrosion. It is always a good practice to remove and totally clean all connections on battery including the ground to the equipment prior to looking at other issues.