MTD yardman hydrostatic trans 42" deck. Ive been having trouble getting my Kohler command 16hp to turn over. Battery is fully charged at 12.7 volts, getting 12v into the starter solenoid, ignition connection to solenoid is ok and making it click but no power going to starter, tried bypassing the solenoid by jumping and still nothing. I also used jumper cables to connect battery directly to starter and still nothing. Is it possible that both the starter and solenoid could go out simultaneously? Could the motor have locked up? What's the best way to test it before I start buying parts or another mower?
#2
reynoldston
I would guess that would be the first question does the engine turn over. If so it sounds like a bad starter. If the starter comes apart you might want to check the brushes in it.
The mower was run a week ago, then the next time I tried starting it would only turn over and not fire, then the day after that no turning over. I'm getting 12.6v from the ignition to the solenoid and 12.6v from the battery to the solenoid. Battery is 12.7v. When I supplied 12.7v from the battery directly to the starter it did not turn. Also I am not getting 12v out of the solenoid when blades are off, sitting in the seat, with the clutch down. All safety's work and do not allow the solenoid to "click" or receive the 12v from the ignition. I just now removed the starter from the mower and in doing so the bolt/wire on the side crumbled and pulled out of the starter so I DO need a starter now. Still doesn't explain how the starter and solenoid could both go out at the same time a day after it was turning over fine.
Check oil level, remove spark plugs, with both hands on top of engine screen, rotate engine clockwise, inspect plugs & air filter for replacement. Post engine manufacturer as well as all numbers from engine, example: B&S engine, model xxxxxx, type xxxx, trim xx.
