No start issue

CLStout

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Thanks. I guess quality is a thing of the past, at least as far as automotive and mower parts is concerned. Sorry state of affairs.
 

slomo

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If I recall, been a while, you load test one at 80% of rated cold cranking amp value???. Someone check me on that. So some toaster type might not fully load her down.
 

CLStout

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Well, that was a show! Dang thing just about buried the needle in the "replace" end of the meter.
 

stihlmania

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Well, that was a show! Dang thing just about buried the needle in the "replace" end of the meter.
Load testing the battery is the first thing I do , so easy to eliminate the battery as the problem
and move to other diagnostics.
 

CLStout

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Replaced the battery, reconnected the cables, and it started right up!
Thanks to everyone for your help!
 

Gord Baker

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Aug 21, 2018
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This is with an Ariens 42" hydro tractor, model 936042. I only get a click from the fuel solenoid on the carburetor. Using a voltmeter, I checked the voltage at the energizing wire at the starter solenoid, and I get 9 volts. I get 12.47 volts at the battery and the battery post on the starter solenoid. If I test the voltage on the starter post on the solenoid, I only get 1.6 volts. But here's the real puzzler. I get a very weak spark when I try to jump the 2 posts on the starter solenoid. Nothing at all from the starter itself.
Even if the starter solenoid is faulty, shouldn't there be something from the starter when the 2 posts are jumped?
One thing that it did when I last used it was, when I shut it off, it sputtered instead of shutting down, like it didn't want to shut off.
Also, I was doing the tests with the voltmeter with the clutch/brake pedal depressed and the parking brake on.
Thanks much!
The 'click' means the Fuel Solenoid is working I believe. Remove and Clean all battery connections including Grounds. Use a cable to go directly from + Battery post to Starter. That will narrow your problem. If you have a connector near the key switch with multiple wires, open it and clean the tiny terminals. Use Pep Battery spray on them and reconnect.
 

Freddie21

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May 1, 2021
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Good Old Walmart. I've been using their batteries for many years and will hold up as well as ones with twice the price. $30 for a 230 amp, which is all needed for a single cylinder. I think $40 for a 275 amp. I bring it home, top off the charge and always put a battery tender when not used for more than a month. I easily get 4 years or more. Bring it indoors for the Winter.

Also clean all your battery cable connections. Both ends. Make sure the solenoid and engine mounting bolts are tight.
 
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