Chathamite
Member
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2013
- Threads
- 5
- Messages
- 20
This mower was purchased on 4/15/2013 and has number MZCG-8825154 on mower. The electric start is not working. Here are the steps I have tried;
1. Purchased a new battery and “float” battery charger this spring. When charged the batter has13.4 volts and I have tried it a friends Honda (identical to mine) and it works great. When used on my mower, the starter does not work. I can hear the motor spinning, but not turning the flywheel.
2. Took the starter off, cleaned it, oiled and greased the gears (the “bendix” part of the starter. When apart, I removed the battery from the mower and tested the actual “motor” with the ‘bendix” removed and it spins fast, no problem.
3. I reassembled the complete starter, put it back on the mower, checked the battery voltage (still 13.4 volts), turned the key and only the spinning of the starter motor could be heard.
4. Purchased a “used but guaranteed to work” starter from eBay. Replaced the old starter assembly with “new-used” eBay starter, same problem. Whirring sound of the starter motor-no spinning of flywheel. Took it apart, cleaned and oiled it, replaced it on the mower with same results.
Both starters, I can turn the “pinion” clockwise by hand and it will “worm” up the shaft to the rubber stop on both starters.
5. Replace both fuses (3 amp and 40 amp) while I had the battery compartment apart. Started the mower manually and tested the current being sent to the battery and the voltmeter showed 12.4 charging voltage to battery.
6. I am getting really, really fast at replacing the starter motor (can do it in less than 5 minutes with the tools beside me). Not a skill I desired to learn but did anyway.
7. The good news it is a Honda-it will start on the first pull when pulled by starter rope!
8. What am I missing (other than a brand new starter for between $80-$100)?
9. After reading many suggestions on this and other forums regarding Honda electric start problems, I welcome any other suggestions. It is possible both old and “new-used” starters have mechanical issues? Both appear to not develop enough torque to turn the flywheel to start the mower.
Even with two fully-charged batteries, neither starter will spin the flywheel like it did when it was new.
10. I appreciate everyone who has read this posting and thank you for your valued input.
1. Purchased a new battery and “float” battery charger this spring. When charged the batter has13.4 volts and I have tried it a friends Honda (identical to mine) and it works great. When used on my mower, the starter does not work. I can hear the motor spinning, but not turning the flywheel.
2. Took the starter off, cleaned it, oiled and greased the gears (the “bendix” part of the starter. When apart, I removed the battery from the mower and tested the actual “motor” with the ‘bendix” removed and it spins fast, no problem.
3. I reassembled the complete starter, put it back on the mower, checked the battery voltage (still 13.4 volts), turned the key and only the spinning of the starter motor could be heard.
4. Purchased a “used but guaranteed to work” starter from eBay. Replaced the old starter assembly with “new-used” eBay starter, same problem. Whirring sound of the starter motor-no spinning of flywheel. Took it apart, cleaned and oiled it, replaced it on the mower with same results.
Both starters, I can turn the “pinion” clockwise by hand and it will “worm” up the shaft to the rubber stop on both starters.
5. Replace both fuses (3 amp and 40 amp) while I had the battery compartment apart. Started the mower manually and tested the current being sent to the battery and the voltmeter showed 12.4 charging voltage to battery.
6. I am getting really, really fast at replacing the starter motor (can do it in less than 5 minutes with the tools beside me). Not a skill I desired to learn but did anyway.
7. The good news it is a Honda-it will start on the first pull when pulled by starter rope!
8. What am I missing (other than a brand new starter for between $80-$100)?
9. After reading many suggestions on this and other forums regarding Honda electric start problems, I welcome any other suggestions. It is possible both old and “new-used” starters have mechanical issues? Both appear to not develop enough torque to turn the flywheel to start the mower.
Even with two fully-charged batteries, neither starter will spin the flywheel like it did when it was new.
10. I appreciate everyone who has read this posting and thank you for your valued input.
