Have 12+ volts, but still- starting problem

[Lawnranger]

Thanks people. problem #1- I still am not clear what the solenoid is, so until I know, this may go in circles, but meanwhile, I just jumped the starter (big thick red wire at base of starter) directly from pos terminal from battery and it starts immediately..

Now, lawnranger, I wil study your steps meanwhile. Pls: I need to be clear on solenoid. (maybe I will google solenoid MTD mower and see if i get lucky.....)

Here is a link to many pictures of different solenoids: Starter Solenoids

 

[Lawnranger]

is this it?
Amazon.com: MTD, Ward, Yard Man, Starter Solenoid; 725-1426, 925-1426, 725-0771, 925-0771: Patio, Lawn & Garden

if so, where is it located, as I have not noticed it in plain view.......maybe I should post the exact MTD model #.......

Yep, that's what it looks like in many cases. Just follow the big red wire from the battery and you should find the solenoid.

 

[rigoletto]

oK, engine is tecumseh OHV 130. I have a note that solenoid is not on engine, but is external. Where is it........

 

[rigoletto]

Yep, that's what it looks like in many cases. Just follow the big red wire from the battery and you should find the solenoid.

Thanks, ranger (your post beat mine by seconds
....)

 

[Lawnranger]

Sorry, I have to go out for a while but post any questions and I or someone else will answer them.

 

[Lawnranger]

oK, engine is tecumseh OHV 130. I have a note that solenoid is not on engine, but is external. Where is it........

Like I said, just follow the big red wire from the battery and you should find the solenoid.

Good luck and I'll talk to you later.

 

[rigoletto]

Like I said, just follow the big red wire from the battery and you should find the solenoid.

Good luck and I'll talk to you later.

No problem, ranger- appreciate the concern! hey, I just found the solenoid! Dirty, dirty, dirty! Gonna clean it up, remove /brush up contacts, and let you know what happens........

 

[rigoletto]

sheesh- thunder storm outside. have to delay this for now......

 

[rigoletto]

Update: Wow, I think I figured it out- I tested with test light as advised above (a few posts ago), and the incoming contact (from battery ) on the siolenoid is live, but the other end (end going out of solenoid to starter) is dead/no test light!. Isnt this proof of a bad solenoid, people?

 

[rigoletto]

Here is the checklist I use to quickly diagnose a no-crank situation. In your particular case, please repeat step #2 at least ten times, just turn the key and watch the light or meter. The reason is I want to test the ignition switch contacts and by turning the key ten times you should either see the light/meter respond every time or if it does not then your switch is suspect.

Start with the basics, don't overlook anything and verify all components.

First, check the fuse(s) and check battery voltage - above 12.5 volts should be good.

Second, check for power at the small terminal of the solenoid while depressing the clutch/brake pedal and holding the key in the start position (you may need an assistant to sit in the seat to override the safety switch). If your solenoid is a four wire solenoid, check both small wire terminals as one is ground and the other is power from the ignition switch. If your solenoid is a three wire solenoid, make sure the solenoid body is not corroded where it bolts to the chassis of the mower as this is your ground path back to the battery. If in doubt, remove the solenoid and clean the mounting area down to bare metal. If there is no power to the small terminal then your problem is most likely a safety switch, ignition switch or in the wiring.

Third, check for power from the battery to one of the large terminals on the solenoid. One of the wires is connected directly to the battery and has power all the time so one of the large terminals should light a test light or show 12 volts on a meter.

Fourth, check for power on the other large terminal of the solenoid while holding the key in the start position (you may need an assistant to sit in the seat to override the safety switch).

Fifth, check for power at the starter while holding the key in the start position (assistant again).

Sixth, check your ground circuit back to the battery.

Please perform the above checks and report back with your findings in the order listed. Be as specific as possible with voltage readings as this will help diagnose your problem quicker. If you don稚 know how to perform the above checks, just ask and I will try to guide you through it. Youtube also has some videos and as you know a picture is worth a thousand words.

Your answers to the above checks will determine where we go.

OOps- forgot to follow up on what Ranger said- to clean the solenoid ground contact site, THEN test again..........