Possible Solenoid issue

[briggsfan]

Hey All,
I have a 19.5hp opposed twin Craftsman from 97. Anyway I'm having issues starting it. The only way I can start it is if I jump it off the starter itself or by jamming a screwdriver between the terminals of the solenoid. I've checked the fuse and its still good but the tractor will not start with the jumper cables on the battery, or under its own power by the key, only if I jump it off the starter itself. Does this mean that my solenoid is busted or is it a key issue. Please note that it will only start if the key is on and will shut off with the key so I assume that is not the issue but any insite as to my problem would be greatly appreciated. If you have any followup questions or if I was not clear let me know. Thanks

 

[Carscw]

Hey All,
I have a 19.5hp opposed twin Craftsman from 97. Anyway I'm having issues starting it. The only way I can start it is if I jump it off the starter itself or by jamming a screwdriver between the terminals of the solenoid. I've checked the fuse and its still good but the tractor will not start with the jumper cables on the battery, or under its own power by the key, only if I jump it off the starter itself. Does this mean that my solenoid is busted or is it a key issue. Please note that it will only start if the key is on and will shut off with the key so I assume that is not the issue but any insite as to my problem would be greatly appreciated. If you have any followup questions or if I was not clear let me know. Thanks

On the solenoid is three wires one from the battery and one to the starter the 3rd little one goes to the key. While holding the key to start check the little wire for power. 12 volts. If it has power then the solenoid is bad.
If no power then could be a bad safety switch

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))

 

[EngineMan]

Check to see if you have battery volts (a good 12v) at the (S) on the key switch, if you have check it at the solenoid, if you have there replace the solenoid or check it out.

 

[briggsfan]

On the solenoid is three wires one from the battery and one to the starter the 3rd little one goes to the key. While holding the key to start check the little wire for power. 12 volts. If it has power then the solenoid is bad.
If no power then could be a bad safety switch

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))

but it will not even crank over with booster cables attached to the battery. I know my battery is not fully charged as when I jam a screw driver between the terminals of the solenoid it just barley cranks . I don't own a miltimeter is there a simpler approach to this diagnostic?

 

[EngineMan]

Find or make yourself a test light.

How To Use a Test Light - Using a Circuit Tester to Troubleshoot Electrical - Ground Check Circuit Test

 

[briggsfan]

Find or make yourself a test light.

How To Use a Test Light - Using a Circuit Tester to Troubleshoot Electrical - Ground Check Circuit Test

So the fact that the key is both required to start and stop the engine does not exclude it as a possibel issue? If its any help I don't even hear a click or anything from the solenoid when I turn the key on. The amp meter does show a drain in power when you turn the key but charges when running. I'm going to ask my neighbour if he has a multimeter how do I check to see if its good? Thanks for your help

 

[BWH]

I would have to say Carscw and EngineMan both have given you excellent troubleshooting tips. As far as your question can the switch turn the ignition on and off (let it run and shut it off) but still not start it the answer is "YES" the on and off is one function of the switch on the first position, powering starter is accomplished by a momentary contact as you turn the switch the furthest clockwise until it starts at which point you release the key and it returns back to the first position breaking the power contact in the switch that excites the solenoid relay that powers the windings in the starter.

This process just cleans up the engine of large wires running from the battery up to the dash board then back to the starter, back in the 60's and earlier mowers did not us a remote solenoid the actually had a manual push contact relay that had large enough wire run to the dash to handle 70 to 80 starting amps. This was simpler but the day of the push starter has come and gone. This evolution happened even earlier in cars, trucks & tractors.

 

[briggsfan]

I would have to say Carscw and EngineMan both have given you excellent troubleshooting tips. As far as your question can the switch turn the ignition on and off (let it run and shut it off) but still not start it the answer is "YES" the on and off is one function of the switch on the first position, powering starter is accomplished by a momentary contact as you turn the switch the furthest clockwise until it starts at which point you release the key and it returns back to the first position breaking the power contact in the switch that excites the solenoid relay that powers the windings in the starter.

This process just cleans up the engine of large wires running from the battery up to the dash board then back to the starter, back in the 60's and earlier mowers did not us a remote solenoid the actually had a manual push contact relay that had large enough wire run to the dash to handle 70 to 80 starting amps. This was simpler but the day of the push starter has come and gone. This evolution happened even earlier in cars, trucks & tractors.

Oh yeah don't get me wrong they have been very helpful that you for the explaination on my question towards the key ill let you all know when I figure it out thanks