On our 2006 Hustler Fastrack 52 with Honda 20hp engine: was gradually more finicky to start, then finally not at all. Husband removed starter solenoid and can not get it back on starter with the "engaging rod" inside the starter in the proper position, ie; lined up inside the "fork" in the starter. Now think the entire problem was low amps from the battery and have new battery, but how do we get the solenoid to reinstall properly? Very tight working space. Tried loosening two starter bolts to tilt it a bit in order to try to get the solenoid lined up properly, but still no luck. Any suggestions?
Sounds like your better half removed the solenoid from the starter, without removing the starter from the engine. If that is the case, he will have to remove the starter from the engine, before he can reinstall the solenoid back on the starter.
Sounds like your better half removed the solenoid from the starter, without removing the starter from the engine. If that is the case, he will have to remove the starter from the engine, before he can reinstall the solenoid back on the starter.
Wow, fast answer! Thanks, we had read somewhere in the posts about removing the starter being a bit involved and were trying to avoid getting into more than we could handle. lol. Anything we should be aware of before removing the starter? Will it require even more disassembly of the mower? Looks to be just two bolts. Started out trying to avoid expensive repair bill and don't want to make a bigger mess for some mechanic to come behind. He is fairly handy though cautious and no claims to mechanical genius, just the basics.
Valtex, I've got a small Fastrak also with a similar problem. It usually take 3 or 4 turns of the key to start the motor. When it doesn't start it makes no sound at all. I was thinking in my case that maybe the starter switch (that the key goes into) is working intermittantly. You have me now thinking maybe the solenoid in the starter is working intermittantly. But now you are thinking it's maybe your battery? I bought my Hustler in '06 also. Maybe it's time for a new battery? I'm not much of an electrical guy.
I was going to leave everything alone for now as long as it starts by the 3rd or 4th turn of the key. My fear is that it will get worse. I guess my worst case scenario is that I'll end up getting a new battery, then new starter switch, then finally a new starter if necessary.
Rivets - I'm not sure if you are asking for model numbers only from the OP or from me also since my problem sounds the same. So, in case you're asking about me also, I have a Hustler Fastrak with a Kohler Courage SV530, 17hp single cylinder motor. Machine was bought new in '06 and has the original battery. When I turn the key and it doesn't start, it makes no sound at all. Can't hear a solenoid. So I'm thinking either starter switch is not always sending a signal, or the starter solenoid is not always functioning. Does this sound reasonable?
I was asking Valtex for model numbers, hope they will answer.
wbw, go through this troubleshooting procedure.
Electrical* problems can be very easy or very difficult, depending on four things.
1. * How well you understand basic electricity.
2. *What tools you have and know how to use.
3. *How well you follow directions.
4. *You don't overlook or assume anything and verify everything.
Remember we cannot see what you are doing. *You are our eyes, ears and fingers in solving this problem. *You must be as accurate as you can when you report back. *The two basic tools we will ask you to use are a test light and a multi-meter. *If you have an assistant when going through these tests it would be very helpful. *These steps work the best when done in order, so please don't jump around. *Now let's solve this problem.
First, check the fuse(s), check battery connections for corrosion (clean if necessary) and *voltage - above 12.5 volts should be good.*
Second, check for power from the battery to one of the large terminals on the solenoid. *One of the wires is connected directly to the battery and has power all the time so one of the large terminals should light a test light or show 12 volts on a meter at all times.*
Third, *check for power at the small terminal of the solenoid while depressing the clutch/brake pedal and holding the key in the start position (you may need an assistant to sit in the seat to override the safety switch). If your solenoid is a four wire solenoid, check both small wire terminals as one is ground and the other is power from the ignition switch. *If your solenoid is a three wire solenoid, make sure the solenoid body is not corroded where it bolts to the chassis of the mower as this is your ground path back to the battery. *If in doubt, remove the solenoid and clean the mounting area down to bare metal. *If there is no power to the small terminal then your problem is most likely a safety switch, ignition switch or in the wiring.*
Fourth, check for power on the other large terminal of the solenoid while holding the key in the start position (you may need an assistant to sit in the seat to override the safety switch). *If you have power what is the voltage?
Fifth, check for power at the starter while holding the key in the start position (assistant again). *If you have power what is the voltage?
Sixth, check your ground circuit back to the battery.
After you have gone through each of the above steps, let us know what happened when you did each step. *At that point we will have great info to tell you how to proceed. *Remember you are our eyes, ears, and fingers, so please be as accurate as possible.
Be as specific as possible with voltage readings as this will help diagnose your problem quicker. *If you do not know how to perform the above checks, just ask and I will try to guide you through it. *Youtube also has some videos and as you know a picture is worth a thousand words.
Rivets - Thanks for posting the above. I really do appreciate it. But I fail numbers 1 and 2. I'm pretty much a boob when it comes to electrical stuff. I do have a meter that my wife probably got me for Christmas years ago, that I do not know how to work. It has a dial on the front that I don't have a clue as to what to set it on.
If my electrical problems continue I do have a few buddies that I can probably get to help me to use the meter. I can then follow the steps that you outlined above.
