Started having to jump start my mower to get it to start. Put new battery on and still having to jump it to give it a little extra. Next step was to put a new starter. Guess what? Still same problem. Runs great when running,but only after jumping. I've checked all I know to check. I have the kohler motor on a zero turn 50 cut. Where do I go next?I
#2
ILENGINE
If you have a volt meter handy, put the red lead on the case of the the starter, and the black lead on the negative terminal of the battery, and then crank the mower. Tell us what the voltage reading is. I suspect you have a bad ground between where the negative wire connects to the battery, and where it connect to the frame.
#3
Boobala
I would suspect a bad cable or connection at the battery or start solenoid, sometimes the cables deteriorate at the battery clamps, could also be the solenoid is not making a good ground to the chassis, also check the solenoid to starter cable, since it runs AFTER jumping , the problem is most likely in the starting portion of your electrical system. Clean / replace wiring and connections THOROUGHLY ..... also check to make sure the cables are'nt worn through where they might rub against something or part of the frame . Boobala
If your Kohler has an exhaust valve decompression system check the valve lash. This vid shows the exhaust valve being bumped open near the top of the compression stroke.
Most times a mower is hard to crank it is either a bad earth or excessive valve lash.
Run a jumper lead directly from the - of your battery to a good earth like the oil drain plug.
If the mower cranks & starts properly then you have a bad earth.
If not then run another from the battery + to the hot wire on the solenoid and try to crank again.
OK then you have a bad power lead.
If not then move the + lead directly to the starter if it cranks properly you have a bad solenoid
If no change then look at the valve lash , chances it will have opened up efeating the automatic decompression system.
