Toro Starting Problem

[rwsr50]

Toro Model No. 72087 riding mower. Wouldn't do anything when you turned the key to start it. New battery, checked it and it is fully charged. Checked wire to solenoid. Getting full voltage when key is turned to start. Pulled starter and jumped starter motor, runs fine. Jumped solenoid, not kicking in. Checked and got continuity between solenoid terminal and case.

Bought new solenoid for $100 and installed it. Started right up...ONE TIME. Now it won't do anything again. Any ideas???

 

[bluechip]

Does that model have a brake pedal interlock switch?

 

[rwsr50]

Does that model have a brake pedal interlock switch?

Not sure, it's not mine. I'm trying to help somebody get it running. I'll certainly check though. Hopefully it's something as simple as that. Thanks.

 

[rwsr50]

Ah ha, figured it out! If you took the starter off and hooked the battery charger to it, ground to the case, and hot to the solenoid, it would kick in and spin. When you put it back on the motor, nothing.

I was watching while my son tried to start it, and noticed sparks flying behind and below the starter. Turned out there is an engine ground wire there, and the bolt that fastened it to the engine was loose. Took it apart, cleaned everything up good, put it back together, and now it works like a charm.

Just out of curiosity, tried the old solenoid, thinking maybe there was nothing wrong with it, and it was the ground all along and I wasted my money, but it didn't work.