Walk behind Wonder if the starter is shot - lawn boy self propelled model 10545

[urdrwho]

Recently my sister gave me her lawn boy self propelled walk behind model 10545. She bought a Toro and was going to trow out the LB. Her reason was that the self propelled wasn't working.

Ok getting the mower after 10 minutes of looking I saw the problem and fixed it.

The key start wasn't working and didn't hear any noise to the starter. Took the connector off the spades and cleaned them, cleaned the key slot. It still won't start with the key but now I hear a hum. Wonder if the starter is shot. The battery has about 10.5 stored volts.

Should I be looking some place else other than the starter.

 

[KennyV]

I would first look at getting a full 12 volts to the starter... You can use any source of 12 volts to check it with... your car battery will work... just watch the polarity and rather than jumping the small battery pack... disconnect it and wire your good car battery to the plug... You can't leave it that way but I bet it will verify that you need to replace the battery pack...
I had an electric start self propelled LB years ago... and when the small battery pack was any less than 12 volts... it would Not engage the starter... :smile:KennyV

 

[urdrwho]

I was thinking of that but thought no way, even my car will start on less than 12V.

Do you know which end is positive and negative on the connector attached directly to the mower?
Is it the male or female end. If ya don't know I can check with my meter.

I would first look at getting a full 12 volts to the starter... You can use any source of 12 volts to check it with... your car battery will work... just watch the polarity and rather than jumping the small battery pack... disconnect it and wire your good car battery to the plug... You can't leave it that way but I bet it will verify that you need to replace the battery pack...
I had an electric start self propelled LB years ago... and when the small battery pack was any less than 12 volts... it would Not engage the starter... :smile:KennyV

 

[KennyV]

The little battery and starter need all the power they can to spin up...

I've got the original operators manual around ... somewhere, I'll look if it is in it. But you should find it quickly with a meter... :smile:KennyV

 

[Fireman 123]

My 10546's plastic gear on the starter motor had to be replaced, but didn't last long. Now I just give it a prime or two and pull the rope. But good luck fixing your issue.

 

[earthworm]

My 10546's plastic gear on the starter motor had to be replaced, but didn't last long. Now I just give it a prime or two and pull the rope. But good luck fixing your issue.

How were the starter bushings ?
Less than 12 volts may work, but below that and things become iffy.
any vehicle.
A rebuild kit may be an answer, but a new starter would be too expensive.
The LB is so easy to start, I see not the need for power..

 

[Two-Stroke]

How were the starter bushings ?
Less than 12 volts may work, but below that and things become iffy.
any vehicle.
A rebuild kit may be an answer, but a new starter would be too expensive.
The LB is so easy to start, I see not the need for power..

That's what I think. If the mower is cared for properly (and it's not that hard), it won't be hard to start -- so who needs the complication of an electric starting system?

 

[pugsly69]

I own a 10545 as well. The gentleman is correct...anything less than 12 volts, and the starter won't engage. I also agree that they are so easy to start, that (for me) the power start feature rarely gets used...BUT, it does get used by my girls or the wife, if any one of them decides to cut the grass...which they do a fair bit of the time in light of my work schedule.

As far as buying a battery online...I don't. I go to my local "Batteries Plus+" and have them rebuild them. I get a lot better battery, very quick turn-around, and costs less...especially considering that you don't have to pay shipping & handling.

 

[earthworm]

I own a 10545 as well. The gentleman is correct...anything less than 12 volts, and the starter won't engage. I also agree that they are so easy to start, that (for me) the power start feature rarely gets used...BUT, it does get used by my girls or the wife, if any one of them decides to cut the grass...which they do a fair bit of the time in light of my work schedule.

As far as buying a battery online...I don't. I go to my local "Batteries Plus+" and have them rebuild them. I get a lot better battery, very quick turn-around, and costs less...especially considering that you don't have to pay shipping & handling.

Now this is most interesting....rebuildable batteries....on the spot...
Damned things are expensive and do not last forever.
I checked out the Batteries Plus site and have been to their store, but I never knew about the rebuildable units nor the economies.
I must have 50 battery powered items, the average is 21 ...

 

[pugsly69]

Check it out, Earthworm. I've not only had several LB batteries done, but also ones for several of my cordless power tools as well. I'm completely satisfied with everything my local store has done for me. Any kind of battery supplies, accessories or paraphernalia I need...I go to them first, now.:smile: