My first issue

[deadstick]

OK, I appreciate all the info so far. Here's the latest. I tried the old Fonzie trick of hitting it. Well wouldn't ya know the engine started. I let it run for a while and checked the battery volts which were around 13.2 and shut her off.

I immedaitely tried to start her again but the engine would not start. After a few more hits it started again, so I'm inclined to think that the starter or solenoid is not working correctly due to dirt or something...

So the next plan of action is to clean the starter and solenoid. Any clues on how to get it off the engine. It's kinda tight in there?

Thanks again for all the help...

 

[davesisk]

Deadstick:

Check the battery cables again. See if you can tell whether the "clicking" is the starter or solenoid, OR it's the battery cables arc'ing. If the battery terminal clamps on the battery cable's get corroded (ie. isn't making good contact), current will arc from the battery pole to some of the copper strands in the battery cable. Check it out...

Next, Try the solenoid. If it's still the same on the 400's, it's mounted to the side wall of the engine bay, and has a big red cable from the battery going to it, a small wire going to the ignition switch, and another big wire going to the starter (and possible a ground also, unless it grounds to the body where it is attached). It's actually just a relay...when you turn the ignition switch to "start", it sends a current to the small pole on this solenoid (really just a small electromagnet), which closes the solenoid contacts, which then sends the large current to the starter. (If you sent this large current through the ignition switch, it would cook it immediately, thus the need for a relay). Anyway, this is easy to replace and should be pretty cheap. (I used a generic one from Carquest rather than PT's...it was about $15, so I'd assume PT's is probably $30... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif)In the PT owner's manual, look for a picture or listing of the "kill solenoid" (not sure why they call it that).

Let's hope it's actually the solenoid, because if it's the starter, I *think* you're going to have to pull the engine out to take the starter off the motor. At least, that's what was necessary with my B&S model, might be different for the Kohler's or Robin's...at least I hope it is!

HTH,
Dave

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I had the same problem last year with my White lawn mower...turns out the battery needed replacing. How old is your battery?