Mower won't start

P

pmmotquin

Forum Newbie
I have a Hustler Raptor X zero turn mower model # 939694 with a Kawasaki FR600V 18HP engine. When I try to start the mower I get nothing, just silence. However, if I turn the key to start 20 to 40 times, one time the engine will crank, start, run fine all day; just don't turn it off or it's the whole no start cycle all over. Figuring an intermittent connection issue, I replaced the seat switch, the 2 handlebar switches, the ignition switch, the PTO switch, the starter solenoid and a new battery. Mower lives in a shed, so no corrosion anywhere. After replacing all those parts, I have the same issue. Turn the key=silence, turn again=silence, 20 to 30 turns later, the engine starts, runs great, lawn mowed.
What am I missing here.
 
You changed everything but the starter, correct? If yes, try gently tapping the starter while holding the key in start position. If it goes the starter needs rebuild or replacement.
 
I recommend you research to find a wiring harness for your model. There is likely a delay cranking relay or bad diode in the wiring circuit.
 
I agree with Auto Doc but would also suspect a bad ground. Clean battery posts and connectors, then follow negative ( black) lead and make sure it has a clean connection to ground. Battery cables should be nice and tight. Also check the ground on the solenoid. Is this s two post solenoid? If so, the ground is the back of the solenoid and the frame. Make sure there is good contact there. If a three post, one of the wires is a ground. Check that connection.

Did you test the solenoid before replacing? There are lots of YouTubes showing how to do this. My fave is Taryl Fixes All. You said there was silence when you turned the key. Did the solenoid make a click sound? That is the switch that sends current to the starter. If it doesn’t click, you have a bad starter or a bad starter installation. I would use a jumper cable direct from the positive terminal and just touch the starter connection. If the starter is energized and jumps to life, the solenoid is not doing its job.
 
Oddjob said:
I agree with Auto Doc but would also suspect a bad ground. Clean battery posts and connectors, then follow negative ( black) lead and make sure it has a clean connection to ground. Battery cables should be nice and tight. Also check the ground on the solenoid. Is this s two post solenoid? If so, the ground is the back of the solenoid and the frame. Make sure there is good contact there. If a three post, one of the wires is a ground. Check that connection.

Did you test the solenoid before replacing? There are lots of YouTubes showing how to do this. My fave is Taryl Fixes All. You said there was silence when you turned the key. Did the solenoid make a click sound? That is the switch that sends current to the starter. If it doesn’t click, you have a bad starter or a bad starter installation. I would use a jumper cable direct from the positive terminal and just touch the starter connection. If the starter is energized and jumps to life, the solenoid is not doing its job.
Click to expand...
Oops. Meant to say if it does not click you have a bad solenoid or solenoid connection/ground, If you can’t make the starter whirl when you jump it, you have a bad starter.
 
I'd get the VOM out, hook it up between ground and the solenoid, then turn the key. If you get 12V then you put the VOM on ohms and check between the negative battery post and the starter case. If you have a good ground check between the negative battery post and the solenoid ground. That will tell you that you have 12 V and the starter and solenoid have a good ground. If you do not get 12V then you chase back to figure where it is being lost. If you don't have a good ground then you clean all the ground straps. A friend had a bad starter once. He replaced it. Drove him nuts trying to find the problem. It was too much paint on the starter and bell housing. Cleaned the paint off, good ground and all was perfect. In your case does your engine have an oil pressure or level sensor? They do go bad. Alternatively you can feel the solenoid click when you turn the key. If it does not, then your problem is between the solenoid and battery. Could be a wire that frayed or a mouse who visited you.
 
And you haven't replaced the starter relay which may not even be operating or have burned contacts.
 
pmmotquin said:
I have a Hustler Raptor X zero turn mower model # 939694 with a Kawasaki FR600V 18HP engine. When I try to start the mower I get nothing, just silence. However, if I turn the key to start 20 to 40 times, one time the engine will crank, start, run fine all day; just don't turn it off or it's the whole no start cycle all over. Figuring an intermittent connection issue, I replaced the seat switch, the 2 handlebar switches, the ignition switch, the PTO switch, the starter solenoid and a new battery. Mower lives in a shed, so no corrosion anywhere. After replacing all those parts, I have the same issue. Turn the key=silence, turn again=silence, 20 to 30 turns later, the engine starts, runs great, lawn mowed.
What am I missing here.
Click to expand...
Actual diagnosis versus throwing parts at it.
 
Hello P.,

A decent multimeter and learning how to do voltage drop testing are needed here.

There are many good videos online that demonstrate how the voltage drop tests are conducted. (No parts required, no guess work).

Anything with electrical wiring can be tested this way.
 
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