Is it my starter

[urdrwho]

My 18 year old Scotts with the B&S motor didn't want to turn over. Clunk, clunk is all that was heard. Thinking charge battery, which I did but still clunk, clunk. A few attempts to turn and then clunk, clunk. I see whiffs of smoke coming from around the positive terminal on the starter. Ouch --- that starter is hot.

I removed the starter and applied 12 volts. Bendix gear whirls around. Re-install but the same thing.

I am thinking that the starter is tired, it has enough muscle to spin the small gear but not enough to spin the flywheel. A new starter and bendix is about $90.

A tired starter is my thought --- am I on the right rabbit trail?

 

[bertsmobile1]

To ask the obvious question.
Can you turn over the engine by hand ?
If the engine is siezed, no starter will make it move.

 

[urdrwho]

Yes I did try to turn the engine and I could turn it.

Today I got a new starter, installed it and it worked like a charm.

I guess the starter was just too weak.

This mower sits out in the weather and tends to get some electrical issues from time to time. I hope to have a new shed by November.

To ask the obvious question.
Can you turn over the engine by hand ?
If the engine is siezed, no starter will make it move.