Have 12+ volts, but still- starting problem

[rigoletto]

People,

My MTD 13HP sit down mower has 12.8V at batery. I turn the key to start, and absolutely no sounds- clicks or otherwise. I sometimes hold the key to "on" for 3-5 minutes, believe it or not, until something gives and VROOOOM! (thats hard on your fingers!!)

So, What should I focus on? Oh- this may help- desperately, yesterday, after holding the key to ON for 5 minutes, I gave up, and pushed the mower to my car and jumped it with my car 12v battery. Started right up! How do you figure that? The batery DOES have 12++ V......

Thanks!

 

[Lawnranger]

The age of the mower could come into play as dirty contacts in the switch could be causing your problem, but that is just a guess from the information you provided so do not go replacing anything yet. If no one else adds to this thread by the time I get back, I'll give you some diagnostic checks to perform.

 

[rigoletto]

good deal, ranger. meanwhile, wouldnt hurt to clean up a bunch of stufff, right? (just in case)

 

[motoman]

Voltage often doesn't mean much as sick or dying bats can exhibit 12-14 v of "surface charge." Check the electrolyte for specific gravity with a car hydrometer (squeeze bulb- $3). If low, trickle charge and check again.

 

[Rivets]

LawnRanger is got you on the right track with connections. If you have a test light, I would start by see if you have power at the small terminal of the solenoid. If there is no power there, I would check all then safety switches, seat, brake, PTO, etc.

 

[rigoletto]

Wow- thanks for all the good and fast advice! Looks like I have work to do now......

 

[EngineMan]

People,

My MTD 13HP sit down mower has 12.8V at batery. I turn the key to start, and absolutely no sounds- clicks or otherwise. I sometimes hold the key to "on" for 3-5 minutes, believe it or not, until something gives and VROOOOM! (thats hard on your fingers!!)

So, What should I focus on? Oh- this may help- desperately, yesterday, after holding the key to ON for 5 minutes, I gave up, and pushed the mower to my car and jumped it with my car 12v battery. Started right up! How do you figure that? The batery DOES have 12++ V......

Thanks!

Where do you put the jump lead's...? that show's you lead's from there are alright doesn't it, and all those so called safety switches, seat, brake, PTO, etc, etc, if all works fine by car battery. If you are putting them on battery lead's, start by cleaning and checking the connections to the battery, and if that does not work, you need a better battery then the one you have, or one with more Amp's. look at the Amp's on the car one am sure you will find more Amp's on that one if you do a battery test on both. Simple logic...!

 

[rigoletto]

Where do you put the jump lead's...? that show's you lead's from there are alright doesn't it, and all those so called safety switches, seat, brake, PTO, etc, etc, if all works fine by car battery. If you are putting them on battery lead's, start by cleaning and checking the connections to the battery, and if that does not work, you need a better battery then the one you have, or one with more Amp's. look at the Amp's on the car one am sure you will find more Amp's on that one if you do a battery test on both. Simple logic...!

Geez, more great tips! Thanks, E Man! I put the jumper cables onto the lawnmower's leads directly, so may be its the dirty contacts from battery to those 2 leads, then. easy to do- I will disconnect and clean with wire brush right now......then check starting it.....

Oh- meanwhile- in case that doesnt affect it- time to do voltage checking on all components.

1) What is PTO? And,
2) When checking for voltage with meter leads, how does one turn the spring leaded key to stay "ON"? ?

 

[pugaltitude]

Bad earth, bad battery or solenoid on a mtd usually

 

[rigoletto]

Update- just cleaned battery of crud, checkd fluid levels inside, full of acid. Then, for the heck of it I connected to car battery again, and NO start! I dont think its the battery, people. Oh- says 275 cold crank amps on mower battery (car has 600 or so).

Now, need to test each component. You mention solenoid- I can find a way to turn key on and stay in that position , not sure how- maybe with a clamp wrench(?) as I need voltage ON to test terminal end at starter (solenoid??)