battery to starter jumper

[terrycsanders]

I have a 10yr Scotts 1742 riding lawn mower. The ignition switch smoked and in desperation, I jumped from the positive side of battery to starter motor connection just brief enough to start mower. This worked a couple of times and then nothing. Have I burned the starter up? I only left the cable touching only briefly, just enough to start. How do I test the starter to see if it is still operational?
Terry

 

[LD1]

I have a 10yr Scotts 1742 riding lawn mower. The ignition switch smoked and in desperation, I jumped from the positive side of battery to starter motor connection just brief enough to start mower. This worked a couple of times and then nothing. Have I burned the starter up? I only left the cable touching only briefly, just enough to start. How do I test the starter to see if it is still operational?
Terry

That shouldn't have hurt the starter at all. That is basically all that happens through the switch anyway and solenoid anyway.

And the way to bench test a starter is the same as what you just did here.

I would probabally start by making sure the battery is good. If there is a problem with the ignition switch, there is a good chance that jumping as you did allowed it to start, but once it was started, it may not have been recharging the battery??? I dont know for sure but that is where I would start.

If the batter has good charge, and good connections and the starter still doesn't work, then it must be the starter. But I dont see what you did as being the cause.

 

[terrycsanders]

Thanks LD1,
I feel slightly better. I will check the battery and I have found a replacement ignition switch.

 

[Transit]

Terry, you may want to invest in a backup battery/battery jumper pack, real handy. The battery pack comes in many sizes, some with lights and an air compressor. All will recharge from 120v outlet, some from both 120v outlet and 12v from your car.

 

[terrycsanders]

It was the battery indeed. I had recently charged it and I just did not think it was drained already. I need to replace the stator as the battery is not charging. I tried tried to replace it in the summer but could not get the flywheel off and decided to wait until this winter when I have more time. I feel better that the starter is not bad but now feel like an idiot. Thanks a lot to both of you that responded.
Terry