I have a MTD lawn tractor with a 12 HP I/C engine. Model is 289707, type is 0154-01 Code is 930 5264E.
I have been having problems starting it but after a number of attempts it has been starting and running fine. Now the starter will engage the cogs and turn the engine once or twice and stop before the engine fires. I have taken out the spark plug and the starter will then turn the engine over fine. I have removed the starter and bench tested it and it spins OK. It is like the starter is not generating enough torque to turn the engine over.
The engine is free as it turns manually and with the starter once the plug is removed. Any ideas? Is it the starter itself. I am reluctant to get a new one in case it turn out to be something else that is an easy fix.
You made no mention of the condition of the battery. A weak battery "will" spin the engine without the spk plug, but with the resistance of compression, it might not have enough cranking amps. Try using jumper cables to your car.
