If I turn the key on a JD212 and the starter turns but does not engage the flywheel, Is that a sure sign the Solenoid is bad? If I use a screwdriver to give the starter gear a push towards the flywheel it starts just fine. The battery is fully charged. Are generic Solenoids OK for Lawn Tractors?
Starter Solenoid Trouble?
- Thread starter garry
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crash325
Elite Member
Just went through this with my pick up. Generally The inside contacts get burnt or dirty. If the solenoid can be taken apart, a little sanding or scraping & it's good to go again.
Good luck,
Jim
forgeblast
Elite Member
I have replaced two solenoids in my lt160 (part was 18.oo). When the solenoid goes there is no cranking. Nothing will move. The starter for me will not engage at all. If its not kicking in I would charge the battery, check the spark, and even check the key. I had a muddauber build a nest in the key hole and it messed up starting the tractor.
super55
Platinum Member
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Sounds like the bendix on the starter to me more than the solenoid just because the starter is moving but not engaging.
I must plead ignorance here. I don't know what the bendix is. Is it electrical?
RandyT
Elite Member
The bendix is the gear that pops up and spins the flywheel when you start the mower. There is a worm gear on the end of the starter shaft, that pushes the bendix up when you spin the starter. They will get rust, dust in the worm and stick the gear down. Turn the bendix up and clean the worm with degreaser, and a brush, and then apply some graphite to the worm and then see what happens.
Tig
Veteran Member
Agree on the bendix clutch sticking. I've also had the same symptom once when my starter came loose.
super55
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Couldn't have described it any better than Randy just did. It's an internal part of the starter. They are fairly easy to clean but require removal of the starter to do so. After you get it all cleaned up you can test it to make sure it's working by using a battery and set of jumper cables. ground the black clamp and red clamp to the terminal post. Make sure you have the thing braced or a foot on the starter because if you don't it will flop and spin all over the place. If you see the armature kick out when power is applied and retract when disconnected you are good to go. If it doesn't it will need a rebuild or a new starter most likely.