wont crank

oquawkajohn

Forum Newbie
Joined
Sep 15, 2014
Threads
2
Messages
2
bohlens 21hp wont crank. put .new solenoid an new battery.brake set.everything like it should be. you can short the solenoid an it will turn over.whats wrong
 

mechanic mark

Lawn Pro
Joined
Jul 15, 2013
Threads
175
Messages
7,438
New spark plug, gap to specs., air filter, fuel filter, adjust valves. Post your engine numbers: model xxxxxx, type xxxx, code xx.

https://www.google.com/webhp?source...espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=adjusting valves b&s engine

Rotate top of engine by hand clockwise just past hard spot & try starting with key. The reason for not cranking valves need to be adjusted, when properly adjusted compression release on camshaft will operate properly.
 

SeniorCitizen

Lawn Addict
Joined
Aug 28, 2010
Threads
130
Messages
2,150
By being able to get it to crank via shorting across the solenoid and no crank through the normal cranking circuit avenues is kind of pointing toward a common problem of at least one safety switch not completing the circuit to the solenoid.
 

Rivets

Lawn Royalty
Joined
Mar 11, 2012
Threads
55
Messages
14,856
Go through this procedure and tell us what's happening. With that info we will be able to give you some better direction on what to do next.





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).*

Fifth, check for power at the starter while holding the key in the start position (assistant again).*

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.
 
Top