Have 12+ volts, but still- starting problem

[Lawnranger]

The part that bothers me is that when he did not have 12 volts from the ignition switch going to the small terminal on the solenoid but jumped 12 volts to the small terminal on the solenoid from the battery, the starter cranked the engine. Now he has 12 volts going to the small terminal from the ignition switch and the starter does not engage. What did I miss?

 

[Rivets]

LawnRanger is correct, try jumping the small terminal on the solenoid again, from the large positive terminal on the solenoid and tell use what happens before ordering a new solenoid.

 

[EngineMan]

That maybe a little late now boy's...!

 

[rigoletto]

Its never too late, guys!!! I didnt order it yet- just got back from work, and read these posts. OK, let me try jumping it. But, you know- sometimes it works, and sometimes it could not work, meaning intermitten/just about to quit, eh? Thats what I think might be going on....

Gonna try it now........

 

[rigoletto]

LawnRanger is correct, try jumping the small terminal on the solenoid again, from the large positive terminal on the solenoid and tell use what happens before ordering a new solenoid.

Now, to be exact, you mean jump from large pos term (from battery) to small terminal? Or Lrg pos term (from batt) to other Lrge term (to starter)??

 

[rigoletto]

OK, dont worry- I did it both ways. Solenoid clicks when I jump from pos term (from batt) to small term, engine does not start of course. Does nothing though, when I jump both heavy pos terminals. (batt to starter) . Could be the copper wire Im using is not thick enough?? Its a single strand (solid) 14/2 wire. I had lying around. Kinda bothers me that when jumped, the starter does not start. Again, maybe its that wire.

 

[EngineMan]

Will the engine turn over when you put the wire from + battery to small connecter on solenoid.

 

[EngineMan]

The solenoid may click there is two main reasons for this one the battey is too low, or two (this is what I think it is) that the plate inside the solenoid is not bridging correctly, therefore no power going to starter.
Am sure someone will say that connections need cleaning (yes that is right) but you have done all that and still no go.
I have said this before, if it was me having done all that you have done, if you have done all that we on here have told you to do, I whould replace the solenoid, its the only way to find out if its the problem.

 

[rigoletto]

Will the engine turn over when you put the wire from + battery to small connecter on solenoid.

Update, and to answer your question: Only sometimes!! I did it both ways over and over, you know. Maybe once every 5 times engine turns over. Also, I re buffed the smitherines out of thos 2 contacts until they shined soooooo yellow bright, and man, what a difference!! Now, when wire is jumped from one pos to the other directly, engine turns over every time!!

 

[rigoletto]

The solenoid may click there is two main reasons for this one the battey is too low, or two (this is what I think it is) that the plate inside the solenoid is not bridging correctly, therefore no power going to starter.
Am sure someone will say that connections need cleaning (yes that is right) but you have done all that and still no go.
I have said this before, if it was me having done all that you have done, if you have done all that we on here have told you to do, I whould replace the solenoid, its the only way to find out if its the problem.

You right, engine! Looks like I didnt clean them enough!! Geez, never would figured. Anyway, I truly think we got it now! I dont see what eldse there is to do. So, if you say GO, I will push the BUY NOW button on ebay.....LOL (hey man, dont worry, ifn the new solenoid still doesnt work, Im not gonna blame that on no one. ) Its time, figure.......