turn key all i get is a click

[shrpshooter99]

I recently picked up a craftsman 6 speed 42inch deck, with an 18 hp Briggs motor in it. But the motor that was in it had been blown up by the owners son. He had a 14.5 hp OHV Briggs motor that he gave me with the mower proclaiming that it should work when put on. I did the motor swap got everything buttoned up, went to turn the key and all i got was a click. I talked to some others and they all pointed me towards the solenoid. I went down sears and picked a new one up and put it in, but it did the same thing. Thinking it was the starter i took the started out of my older white. The motor in the white it a 14.5 pressure lube motor, which runs great. I swapped the starters and the same thing happened. The only though i have is that it must be electrical, or maybe a bad battery, or bad ignition?

 

[jreiber83]

Motor turn free? Check all battery connection and make sure there clean and tight. Also check voltage at solonoid in/out and voltage at solonion from key switch. Check voltage at starter while holding key to crank position. Also check all grounds.

 

[KennyV]

WELCOME to LMF....
The click you hear... where is it coming from?

This is a good time to start checking voltages like jreiber83 suggested... :smile:KennyV

 

[shrpshooter99]

The click is coming from the solenoid, so it is doing what its suppose to. There is power going to the solenoid and when you turn the key power to the starter

 

[Black Bart]

The click is coming from the solenoid, so it is doing what its suppose to. There is power going to the solenoid and when you turn the key power to the starter

Sounds typical of a low battery.

CHARGE THE BATTERY

 

[jreiber83]

What about power coming out of soloniod? And also at starter? Just cuase the soloniod clicks doesnt mean it working properly. Could be loosing power in the soloniod. But check voltage at soloniod output

 

[reynoldston]

You are going to have to check for a voltage drop. Buy yourself a electrical multimeter. Less then 5 dollars at Harbor Freight.

 

[SONOFADOCKER]

My LT1000 wants to start with only a fully charged battery . First I used a VW solar charging panel hooked up to a cig lighter socket going to the battery . Now I use a trickle charge battery tender - get 3-4 years out of battery now .
Clicks if battery is not fresh .

 

[reynoldston]

My LT1000 wants to start with only a fully charged battery . First I used a VW solar charging panel hooked up to a cig lighter socket going to the battery . Now I use a trickle charge battery tender - get 3-4 years out of battery now .
Clicks if battery is not fresh .

Just how do you know that your battery is fully charged. For myself I need a hydrometer reading of 1.265 and volage of 12.9. Now you still need to test the volage after a load test. Without this you are only guessing unless you have another way. If so I would like to know it.