Starts by "pull", no by starter...

[slaponte]

I will apologize rigt away for the lack of details, but I am trying to help a good friend, not MY machine. I will try to get more details and post. But for now ...

He has a stand up riding mower, you know the kind you ride standing. The problem he is having is that the mower won't start using the electric starter (cranks, but no start). If he gets off and "pulls" the cord (as in older mowers, this has a hand pull cord), it starts right away.

He took it in to a shop, and after two weeks of not doing anything ("too busy"), they say the issue is lack of compression and they want to tear the engine. They claim they won't charge for disassemble, just for assembly. (!).. He just doesn't think this is the way to go, and so do I, since it seems more likely an electrical issue to me.

Any ideas? Of course, a quick check we can do is check compression. He was to go pick it up today. But I am wondering about the original issue : starts on pull, not on starter. What can I do to test what is going on here??

Thanks. I will try to get model info and post.

 

[slaponte]

Mower is a Stander 36"

 

[benski]

Yes, that's a ton of variables there.:wink: Things that come to mind to check:
1. Condition of battery. Start this exersize with a known, good, fully charged battery with clean terminals.
2. Connections. Take a look at the cables and their connections- clean and tight?
3. Starter- Operates properly when jumped? Bendix spring, gear, etc, in good shape?
4. Ignition switch- Making good contact? Terminals clean and tight?
5. Starter solenoid in good shape?
6. All other wiring in good shape? Connections clean and tight? No frayed wires, burned fuses, etc.?
7. Safety switches- seat, clutch, drive all in good shape?

 

[slaponte]

I'll have more info today, he should be here any minute.

My friend is a gardener by profession and this is his main tool. While he is a great handyman, he isn't very mechanically inclined, besides adding gas and oil as required. He is also not a master of the internet etc. I am a hobby-mechanic, have worked on cars and bikes for 30 years++ but never much into lawn mowers.

I know the battery is recent (3 months maybe), and it cranks great. I am puzzled that on the hand start pull it starts almost right away. WHen you crank the electric starter it almost seems it has no spark. I will test that as well.

More to come...