Crafstman riding mower won't start.

20 years ago

Ok garden tractor guru's, need some help. I have a Craftsman riding mower, 25 HP, it's about 5 yrs. old, I use it fairly often, did the lawn on Wed. it worked fine. I parked it to go to lunch and when I came back out to do some more work it would not start (yes it has gas in it LOL) No turn over, nothing, just a click when I turn the ignition. I talked to my handy dandy repair guy, he said it was more than likely the solenoid, so I got 'manly' and actually was able to remove said solenoid and replace it with a new one! Alas still no joy, still dead. So before I pack her up and haul her to the repair guy, any suggestions on anything else it might be or I should look at? Oh, I also jiggled the wiring for the emergency cutoff, just in case that was the culprit, but nothing. Thanks so much for any help.

Betty

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Comments (5)

walt2002
20 years ago
Unfortunately, losts of solenoids get replaced that way. A clicking solenoid could be a lot of things. Bad battery, run down battery, bad battery connections, bad safety switches, starter stuck in engaged position. LOCKED engine.

Did you turn the engine a quarter turn or so by hand? IF the starter gear is locked engaged, this should dislodge it and if you can turn it, then the engine isn't locked. (Good news) IF the engine doesn't turn, might remove the spark plug and see if it will then. A leaking carburator float may have filled the cylinder with gas causing hydrolic lock. IF this happens, better change oil.

How old is the battery? If it is five years old, it is 2 years beyond life expectancy.

Walt Conner
boopster
Original Author
20 years ago
Thanks a lot. No the battery is good, I even took it up to the repair guy, and he put it on the tester and said it was fine (and I was already to buy a new one) He suggested turning the engine by hand as well, so I'll do that this morning, and see what we have. How do you tell if you have a bad safety switch?
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lkop
18 years ago
I have the same problem but mine occurred as I was replacing the battery. It grounded and sparked as I accidently touched the posive to the metal. Now it just clicks as I turn key. Would the solenoid then be the problem?
kris216
16 years ago
I just had this problem, but let me give you some pre-story information. I started her up just fine after I put the blade all the way up. I then commenced to cutting the grass. It stalled and shut down on me. Then I got her to start again and cut the grass for about ten feet then she shut down again.

Now, she won't start at all. I'll get the engine to move in little increments when I turn the key over and that's it. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I'm desperate because I bought the dang thing used, spent money already to get it fixed and really can't afford to buy another dang lawn mower.

Thanks,

Kris
Rockta
15 years ago
Same problem here. Was cutting grass and ran out of fuel. Filled it up and now the mower will not start. Battery is good, fuze is good, I've cleaned the connectors on starting switch. Any ideas?

Tim