Symptoms Of A Bad Starter On Riding Mower
The use of a riding mower makes yard work easier, but these machines are not free to breakdowns. It could be a problem with your starter, but how would you ever know for sure?
Common symptoms will indicate if your starter is good. Riding mower starting problems include no clicking sound, grinding when the ignition key is turned, s Starter motor smoke, sometimes t The engine starts but runs irregularly or the starter motor over sparking.
Keep reading this article that reveals the symptoms of a bad starter on riding mower guides to resolving the problem.
Common Symptoms OF A Bad Starter On Riding Mower
Common symptoms of a bad starter on a riding mower include:
- A burning smell coming from the starter motor
- The starter motor engages but the engine runs erratically
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Symptoms Of A Bad Starter On Riding Mower (Solutions Added)
Reasons for having a bad starter on a riding mower with their fixes are given below:
Symptom-1: No Sound or Clicking When the Ignition Key is Turned
If there is no sound or clicking when the ignition key is turned on a riding mower, then it is likely the starter is bad.
The starter is an electric motor that is responsible for turning over the engine when the key is turned.
When the starter fails, it won’t be able to engage the flywheel and turn the engine over, so the engine won’t start. This is why there is no sound or clicking when the key is turned.
The Fix
If the starter is bad, there are a few things to check before replacing it.
- First, make sure the battery is fully charged
- If the battery is charged, then, check the wiring leading to the starter.
- If the wiring is good, then the starter itself likely needs to be replaced.
Symptom-2: A Grinding Noise When the Ignition Key is Turned
The starter is a small motor that is connected to the battery and has a gear attached to it. When the key is turned, the starter motor engages the gear and causes it to spin and turn the engine over.
Starter motor gears can wear out and fail to engage with the flywheel. The key will grind when turned.
If the starter is bad, the gear will not be able to spin and the motor will make a grinding noise. Worn starter motor gears might also generate grinding noise.
The Fix
If the grinding noise persists when the key is turned, it is best to take the mower to a qualified repair shop and have the starter inspected.
The repair shop should be able to determine the cause of the noise and make the necessary repairs.
It is important to have the issue fixed as soon as possible, as a bad starter can prevent the engine from starting at all.
Symptom-3: A Burning Smell Coming From the Starter Motor
The starter motor is a small electric motor that rotates the flywheel of the engine, thus starting it. When the starter motor fails, it can cause the electrical components to overheat, leading to a burning smell. This is often caused by a worn-out or corroded electrical connection, a faulty solenoid, or a worn-out starter motor.
In some cases, the starter motor may be completely burnt out, and smell comes from the motor.
The Fix
It is important to diagnose the cause of the burning smell before attempting any repairs, to ensure that the proper repair is done.
Ignoring the burning smell can cause further damage to the starter motor, or even to other components of the mower.
Symptom-4: The Starter Motor Engages But the Engine Runs Erratically
Another symptom of a bad starter on riding mower is the starter engages but runs erratically for numerous reasons.
First is a loose starter motor-battery connection. Loose connections might make the starter motor struggle to start the engine and cause it to run unpredictably.
The starter motor may be damaged and not turning the engine over. This can be caused by a worn armature or brushes that don’t connect the starter motor to the engine.
The last possible cause is a worn starter solenoid. A worn solenoid can cause the starting to not engage or activate erratically, causing the engine to operate unpredictably.
The Fix
To diagnose and fix this issue, the first step is to check the starter solenoid. If the solenoid is corroded or worn, it should be replaced with a new one.
If the solenoid appears to be in good condition, the starter motor should be checked. If the starter motor is faulty, it should be replaced.
Symptom-5: Excessive Sparking at The Starter Motor
Excessive sparking at the starter motor for a bad starter on a riding mower is typically caused by a worn-out starter solenoid.
Over time, the contacts within the starter solenoid can become worn due to heat or corrosion, which can cause arcing or sparking. The arcing can also cause heat, which can damage the starter motor.
The Fix
In some cases, the solenoid may need to be replaced in order to stop the excessive sparking.
It is also important to check the battery cables and connections to ensure they are properly connected and free of corrosion.
If the problem persists, it may be necessary to replace the entire starter motor.
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How To Replace The Starter Motor On A Riding Lawn Mower?
This repair guide shows step-by-step how to replace a riding mower’s starter motor.
Step-1. Take the Battery Out.
- 01. Separate the battery
- Cool the engine down.
- Place the tractor in a level location and engage the parking brake.
- Use work gloves to safeguard your hands.
- Place the tractor in a level location and engage the parking brake.
- Turn off the ignition and remove the key.
- Lift the seat.
- Remove the bolt connecting the negative cable to the battery and tuck the cable away from the battery so that it does not come into contact with the battery post.
Step-2. Remove the Engine Blower Housing
- Lift the hood of the tractor.
- Remove the screws holding the air duct in place and pull it off.
- Turn each knob on the air filter cover counterclockwise and pull the cover off.
- Take the air filter out.
- Remove the screw from the air filter housing.
- Remove the front and back mounting bolts for the blower housing and lift it off.
Step-3. Remove the Old Starter Motor
- Remove the lower dash fastener and pull off the lower dash.
- Remove the starter motor wire mounting nut and pull off the starter motor wire.
- Remove the starter motor mounting bolts. A wire retainer comes off when you remove the left bolt.
Step-4. Install the New Starter Motor
- Place the new starter motor on the engine and use the right mounting bolt to hold it in place.
- Place the left bolt and the wire retainer, and then run the wires through the retainer. Put the left mounting bolt in place and tighten it.
- Connect the wire from the starter motor to the mounting nut.
- Put the lower dash back in place and use the fastener to hold it in place.
Step-5. Reinstall the Engine Blower Housing
- Position the blower housing on the engine and align the air diverter in the housing.
- Reinstall the blower housing mounting bolts.
- Reinstall the air filter housing screw.
- Reinstall the air filter and air filter cover.
- Reinstall the air duct and attach it with the mounting screws.
- Lower the tractor hood.
Symptoms Of A Bad Starter On Riding Mower – (FAQs)
How can I start a lawnmower with a bad starter?
Use a jumper. The engine starting cable and battery cable lugs should be connected. Next, turn your lawn mower’s ignition key. If your lawn mower solenoid clicks before starting, replace it.
Is testing a starter solenoid dangerous?
Yes, it is. The lawn mower battery powers the starter solenoid with 8–10 amps. A current of 0.01 amps can cause significant agony, and more than 0.1 amps will kill you.
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