Tiger Cat 2 - Starting Issue (since new)

Douglas Lee

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Thanks to all for the feedback on the starter assist modification.
Doug Lee
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hlw49

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Our crystal balls have become very cloudy, due to the recent elections. You are not giving us much info to help you. We have no idea how old this unit is, which engine it has, or if you have done anything to solve the problem besides changing the relay? With out unit model and serial numbers, plus all engine numbers everyone here will just be guessing. My first guess is that there Is a loose or dirty connection. My second guess is that you don’t have the proper size battery. If it is a single cylinder engine, the battery should have a minimum of 300 CCA. If you have a twin, the battery should have a minimum of 350 CCA. If you want more help please provide more info.
The people of America have spoken.
Our crystal balls have become very cloudy, due to the recent elections. You are not giving us much info to help you. We have no idea how old this unit is, which engine it has, or if you have done anything to solve the problem besides changing the relay? With out unit model and serial numbers, plus all engine numbers everyone here will just be guessing. My first guess is that there Is a loose or dirty connection. My second guess is that you don’t have the proper size battery. If it is a single cylinder engine, the battery should have a minimum of 300 CCA. If you have a twin, the battery should have a minimum of 350 CCA. If you want more help please provide more info.
The American people have spoken.
 

StarTech

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Ah I knew I save the relay wiring diagram somewhere. fuse can be smaller as it is for the relay only. Don't know who decided on the 30A one.

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Douglas Lee

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StarTech,
Thanks for the diagram.
Does the extra relay just parallel the original wiring
to trigger the starter relay when the starter switch is turned?
Thanks . . .
Doug Lee
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hlw49

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I have used a solenoid for an inerta drive starter and wire it basically the same way. I use 10 ga wire from the engine starter solenoid and back to the exciter terminal on the engine starter. You don't have to run a ground wire from the solenoid since the solenoid grounds to the frame when you bolt it down.
 

StarTech

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What it does is to reduce the voltage drop at the starter solenoid. This why it is installed as close the starter as possible. What JD found was that the long trigger wire paths was causing large voltage drops due wiring resistance; therefore, the solenoid did not have current to fully pull in to engage the starter switch inside the solenoid. Instead of several feet of wiring wiring now there is just a few inches. Also the relay requires a lot less current so the voltage drop in the current wiring is reduce to the relay.

Another term I seen used is "helper relay". Basically comes down to you installing a switch at the solenoid to connect to battery cable at the starter instead going thru all the wiring harness. You could do the same using a screwdriver but this a lot easier. This way you can be seated ready to use the mower instead ruining your screwdriver tips.

One side note here is that the relay must be a water proof version as it is exposed to outdoor weather conditions so not just any old cheap relay can be use.
 
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