Starter problems with Murray riding mower / Tecumseh engine?
Question:I have an older (early 90's) Murray 30" rear engine riding mower that I was having problems with starter a year ago. I parked the thing & just recently got it out to try to get it running again. I purchased & charged up a new battery, but still nothing when I turn the switch. I then "jumped" the solenoid with a screwdriver, which makes the starter give out a "whirring" noise but it does not turn the engine over. It would appear that at the very least I need a new solenoid but it looks like there may also be a problem with the starter? It does not seem to be engaging the motor / flywheel but only making this whirring noise? Please help me troubleshoot this thing.Thanks!
Answers:
Could be the soleniod, not getting enough power to the starter. Could be that the starter is dirty or the brushes are worn.. I would check all connections including grounds As stated in a previous answer, you have to make sure all the safety switches are working. You could have more than one issue. Try a jump directly to the starter. Ground the neg cable and touch the pos cable to the starter cable nut/bolt. This should tell you if the starter is working.
Sounds like the starter gear is not engaging the flywheel but instead it is just spinning on the shaft I would bring it to a starter rebuild shop can probably be fixed cheaper than a new one
A couple of things need to happen before the starter gets power. First is that all the safety switches need to be "engaged" (seat switch, blade engagement lever in the off position, clutch depressed, and the neutral switch.) If any one of these is faulty, then it will not start. The key switch activates the electro magnet inside the solenoid which allows the power from the battery to go to the starter. The starter has a small gear on it that moves on a shaft to engage a gear that in on the flywheel. If either or both gears are damaged then it will not work either. One final problem occurs in over head valve engines. If the valves are out of adjustment, the piston will stop when it reaches the compression stroke. For this problem, you should see your dealer or service center.
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