G2160 Barely Turns Over, 2nd Starter Installed

[thepipe]

Hello, All:
Help! First problem with my G2160. It has 260 hrs. and I'm the second owner. I went to start it last week, and all I got was machine-gun clicking from the starter. I remembered the post about the safety switches and tried them. All were OK, which made sense because the starter got power. When I put the 200-amp booster on the battery, the clicking got louder and turned it over VERY slowly, but not fast enough to start. No odd engine sounds during cranking. I tried the screwdriver-across-the-starter-terminals trick and got the same thing. I figured the starter was bad even though it was only two months old. No change with new starter. The motor is not seized because it will turn over, albeit slowly. The water pump and alternator turn freely. The booster pins the needle at 200 amps when starting, but barely moves when not so I have a fully charged battery. I even disconnected the battery to be sure - same thing. If this were a gas motor, I'd pull a spark plug or two to relieve the pressure. That's almost what it seems like - cylinders full of fuel. I would think that fuel would come out the muffler (and I would smell it) if that was the case. I don't. What am I missing?

 

[thepipe]

Problem solved! Even though it tested OK and did not charge, the battery is shot. I put a different one on and it's fine. Gotta love these things - still runs smooth as new.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

I have 3 big complaints on the G2160.

The 51r battery, same size used in a lot of Honda cars barely has enough CCA for the D782 engine when below 40F.

All the interlock switches can cause a big voltage drop for the starter....fixed that with the low voltage relay mod.

The PTO engagement belts are a bit weak for the 60 inch deck in thick grass.

Sometimes need a little more weight or a differential lock in wet grass on a hill but otherwise the G2160 is a sports car of lawnmowers and with the 60 inch deck it is a MOWING MONSTER.

David Kb7uns