Kawasaki FH641V

[Thommy]

The starter on this engine is driving me crazy.

As I attempt to start this engine, the starter drive gear will engage the flywheel,
and then fall back down before the engine will start.
The drive gear falls back down as I have the key in the crank position.
I can see the fallen gear spinning while it is in the position it would be in before I attempt to start the engine .
The battery is new, and all connections are good.The starter bolts are tight.The starter is 30 days old.The old
starter did the same thing.
Should I assume that the new starter is bad?

 

[Rivets]

Check you voltage at the starter while trying to start the engine. If it falls to less than 10 volts the starter is not spinning fast enough to stay engaged.

 

[Thommy]

It's fixed.
As I crank the engine, I have 9 volts at the starter.
I put a charge on the old battery,after a 2 hour charge
I now have 12 volts while cranking the engine

something as simply as an old battery caused this problem.
A new battery fixed it.I bought one with 350 CCA

 

[Rivets]

Glad you figured it out. With electrical problems it’s all ways best to check the simple things first and never assume anything, unless you test it twice.

 

[Thommy]

Now that I have a new battery installed,
I don't have a belt driven alternator,
how are the batteries charged?

what should the charging rate from the mowers charger be?

 

[Rivets]

Reading this manual should answer your questions. https://www.mymowerparts.com/pdf/Ka...SAKI-SERVICE-REPAIR-MANUAL--99924-2078-01.pdf