Hello everyone I'm new this forum and have a mower problem I hope you can help me with.
I have a 2000 year model Exmark zero turn mower with a Kawasaki FH641V 21HP motor. I purchased it new and it now has 700 hours on the motor. At the beginning of each season I chance the oil, oil filter, air filter and lube all the zerks. It has been used twice this spring already cutting about three acres with no issues at all.
Today it would not start or crank at all. I replaced the battery which was a couple of years old and it made a noise like it was trying to start but the starter gear would not rise up and engage the flywheel. I removed the starter and took it to a local shop and they said it was bad and needed to be rebuilt. Needing the mower now I purchased a new starter and installed it and went ahead and replaced the solenoid at the same time while I was at it.
The mower started up but not with the force I would have expected from a new battery, starter and solenoid. It seemed to drag just a little but did start.
My wife got on it and started moowing and about 15 minutes in it died and would not start. The starter tries to engage but the engine will not turn. She said she smelled a buring smell and saw a little smoke come from the engine when it died. She thinks the smell was electrial but not 100% sure and could not tell me where the smoke came from.
I find nothing wrong at all after a complete visual inspection. No burned wires, no blown fuses, etc. I have tested the voltage to the solenoid and to the starter and it is 12 volt. I pulled the top cover off and put a ssocket and break over bar on the bolt at the top of the fly wheel and it will only turn about 1/8 to 1/4 turn in either direction (very little).
The oil level is full and no signs of metal in the oil.
It's like the starter does not have enough power to turn the engine over.
My concern is if something has failed internally causing the motor to lock up.
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Mark
I have a 2000 year model Exmark zero turn mower with a Kawasaki FH641V 21HP motor. I purchased it new and it now has 700 hours on the motor. At the beginning of each season I chance the oil, oil filter, air filter and lube all the zerks. It has been used twice this spring already cutting about three acres with no issues at all.
Today it would not start or crank at all. I replaced the battery which was a couple of years old and it made a noise like it was trying to start but the starter gear would not rise up and engage the flywheel. I removed the starter and took it to a local shop and they said it was bad and needed to be rebuilt. Needing the mower now I purchased a new starter and installed it and went ahead and replaced the solenoid at the same time while I was at it.
The mower started up but not with the force I would have expected from a new battery, starter and solenoid. It seemed to drag just a little but did start.
My wife got on it and started moowing and about 15 minutes in it died and would not start. The starter tries to engage but the engine will not turn. She said she smelled a buring smell and saw a little smoke come from the engine when it died. She thinks the smell was electrial but not 100% sure and could not tell me where the smoke came from.
I find nothing wrong at all after a complete visual inspection. No burned wires, no blown fuses, etc. I have tested the voltage to the solenoid and to the starter and it is 12 volt. I pulled the top cover off and put a ssocket and break over bar on the bolt at the top of the fly wheel and it will only turn about 1/8 to 1/4 turn in either direction (very little).
The oil level is full and no signs of metal in the oil.
It's like the starter does not have enough power to turn the engine over.
My concern is if something has failed internally causing the motor to lock up.
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Mark
Last edited: