L3130 won't start

[RPK]

Hi guys,

When I turn the key on, I get full lights and flashers. The battery is original but has a green light. When I turn the key to start I get a fast clicking noise. I am guessing it's the starter? Thanks for any help.

RPK

 

[modaddysdotcom]

Check your battery. It may not have enough power

 

[Dave M7040]

Post some pictures of the battery and cables.

Either the battery is no longer strong enough to power the starter under load or you have bad connections either on top of the battery or where the battery ground cable attaches to the tractor.

A multi meter costing less than $10 would tell the tale.

If you get a multi meter, don't make the mistake one owner did by setting the pointer on the meter to the same position as in this photo.
In this position you are measuring alternating current voltage and you need to set it to measure direct current voltage on the 20 scale to the left on the center position.

Touch the meter lead, it does not matter which one, to the starter terminal, the one with the big cable on it. Touch the other lead to the center of the battery post not the cable clamp.

Have someone try and crank the engine. If you don't see a steady high voltage reading the battery is done.

Dave M7040

 

[JRobyn]

For battery testing, both voltage and load, I find an inexpensive load tester to be of much more use than a multi-meter.

Amazon.com: Schumacher BT-1 1 amp Battery Load Tester: Automotive

 

[weavertg14543]

Have you figure it out yet? I have a ls3130 had a very similar issue in the beginning of summer. Ended up buying a new battery. The biggest one i could fit in that area. It was original but it had been like 13 years old. Think I got a mega tron something like 750 cca or 850 not sure. Anyways.

I found the problem was on the ground wire. If I hooked my jump box up red to red and instead of hooking the ground up to the ground on the battery I would ground it out on the bracket that holds the hood up it would start. So I checked out the ground cable better. Sure enough had some issues there.
Took it off cleaned the area really well and reattached. Good to go.