Follow the instructions found in How to Tell Your Lawn Mower Solenoid is Bad. I've worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how. Oh and Topsites your post made me laugh.. Other possible reasons include: Faulty Battery Dirty / Loose Battery Connection Faulty Solenoid Binding Starter Motor Excessive Valve Lash Hydro-locked Engine Its unusual for mower engines to fail completely. A bad ground, weak starter, or bad battery can also result in the starter solenoid failing. What about choking it? It clicks when I turn the key, but the engine does not turn over. It won't start when it is cold at all, won't hardly even try. Do this by disconnecting the fuel hose from the carburetor and placing it in a container. Check out Mower winter storage video.. This allows the engine to crank over at sufficient speed to create a spark strong enough to start up the engine. Hey, I'm John, and I'm a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience. This should be an issue with the starter. it was sounding like it wanted to turn over but it didn't. I cover that a little next. If youre unable, you likely have excessive valve lash. Air is required to start your lawn mower and keep it running. 949Feedbacks. Starter Some starters will have a solenoid and starter motor combined in one unit. Yes, here's how Do Mowers Have Titles? The starter solenoid is very weak on them. Forget it till next spring,then turn the key and mow. I can follow instructions real good so any advise would be helpful! The gas is good. This vacuum restricts fuel from flowing out of the tank. I have listed a voltmeter on the Small engine repair tools page.. If it continues to bind, replace the gear head or complete the starter motor. The inlet valve allows the fuel/air mixture in. Any ideas? This is a minor problem and you can easily fix it right now. A good switch shows continuity, but only when pressed. Solenoid Solenoids are a universal fit; they give lots of trouble. Do not operate a mower without the safety switch. This will open the butterfly valve to let more air in and clear it. Disconnect the battery from the mower and clean them. Test your battery with a multimeter. I've taking all the basic steps of changing the spark plug, changing the oil, and installing a new air filter and cleaning element but still no start. 168Feedbacks, Silver Post Medal for All Time! Answered by curtis b in 5 mins 9 years ago curtis b Auto Mechanic For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Check to make sure you can still see light through the paper element by holding it up to the light. Adjusting lash isnt difficult but will require an inexpensive tool called a feeler gauge. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Read more about the advantages of using Sea Foam Motor Treatment in your Toro. So whats the problem with a riding mower that wont start just clicks. Dirty connections are usually caused by the weeping of battery acid at the battery poles. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. If it turns 1.5 revolutions then stops and you can force it over compression then it does the same thing on the starter then the decompressor is not working. When your mower keeps clicking, a likely cause is a bad lawn mower starter solenoid. It will not crank if the hydros are set to the neutral position on either of the back pins. This should be an issue with the starter. Wiggle Like the ignition switch, wires come loose, have a helper attempt to start the engine while you wiggle the wiring connectors. Hope some of this helps. Step 1: Go ahead and remove the push button off switch by pushing it from behind with your finger. No matter what brand mower you own, youre going to run into problems the longer you own it. The manufacturer installs safety switches to prevent the mower deck to run without the operator present. Is the started turning it over? If the wiring does not reveal any problem and a clutch adjustment does not resolve it, it may be time to replace the clutch. A flat battery is a real pain in the ass. As you know, the acid will burn the skin and eyes, so, you know, gloves, etc. The function of the float is to lift the needle as the fuel level rises in the fuel bowl. Your Toro will not start with a bad battery, loose cables, or corroded terminals. Be mindful that B&S has two types of starter plastic gear head or metal; check before ordering. Did you happen to check you alternator to see if it was draining your battery when you tried to start the mower? Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. Does anyone know where i might be able to find a Service manual for my Zero Turn? SOLUTION: A starter can be a pricey item on a lawn mower. Ive been yelled at by a customer because his new lawn mower wouldnt start only to later find out, when I picked it up for repair, he had run out of gas. Confirm your battery terminals are not corroded and are attached securely to the battery. My problem is that it won't start. Keep reading for additional reasons for your Toro starting problem. Because you are using your Toro in the outdoor elements with grass and dirt tossed in the air while mowing, your air filter can become plugged. A spark plug that is not properly gapped and doesnt make a good connection can also contribute to the starting problems with your Toro. Check your battery Check your PTO make sure it's off. You may need Spark plugs and a clean Filter. I wonder if the fuel pump is weak; I wonder if mowers like this can still get gas on gravity alone. I would appreciate advice. Riding Mower Won't Restart After Hitting Something? Check out, Mower solenoid repair tools it lists useful tools and parts that will help you nail the repair. Read more about the steps and items needed tocharge your battery here. This includes wearing gloves and eye protection. I started it and pulled the choke up all the way really fast and now it will not start at all. I called the dealer and Toro. Its safe to remove the plug wire, but You must use insulated pliers. Further start attempts just give a click sound, unless I turn the vent counerclockwise again. Make sure that the pins in the back of the machine are set to drive mode, and not push mode. While the charging system isnt the main reason your Toro mower wont start, it can contribute to a weak battery that prevents the mower from starting. 140Posts, Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! Do I need a new starter? I had a hell of a time trying to start it again after putting more gas in. If it does not work because other components in your recoil are damaged such as the clips or the pulley, you are better off just replacing the recoil assembly. There is a safety switch under the seat that prevents the motor from starting unless someone is sitting on it. It may be disabled or broken. So in the interest of having a complete list of all possible causes, Ive included it. I recommend a trickle/smart charger; theyre simple to use; pop on the color-coded crocodile clips, plug it in, and thats it. The starter motor for Briggs and Stratton offers a good quality starter. You must log in or register to reply here. If you find your starter has failed, removing and fitting a new one is simple. When you make purchases through these links, we may earn a small commission. What about the safety break. Engines have valves that open and close in sequence. The personnel at the repair shop can test the starter and oftentimes rebuild it if necessary. Repair: Try to clean your gas cap to open the vent. Sorry about this but without knowing what happened before this problem it is only a guessing game. The most common type of riding lawn mower and zero-turn lawn mower batteries have a voltage of 12 volts. Repair:Remove your air filter from the air filter housing to check for dirt buildup. Wiggle Try wiggling the wires at the back of the ignition switch while attempting to start the engine; you may need a helper. So i was scratching the little hair that I have left on my head and my dad walks over and moves some little black piece on the carb and Bamb!! The valve lash describes a precise gap between the valve tip and the rocker arm. Verify you have a flow to the fuel pump by using the shut-off valve or clamps to start and stop fuel flow. I dont cover how the kill switch system works in this guide as Ive covered it in this guide How to turn off a mower. SOLUTION: When the battery is weak, use a battery charger to charge it. Is this a ride on or a push mower?Has it been running lately or has it been a while since you used it? Use a voltmeter to check the battery voltage, and connect red to positive and black to negative. Yes, here's how Do Mowers Have Titles? Use this guide as a tool to help you identify the cause of your starting problem. Test Check battery voltage using a voltmeter attach a voltmeter to the battery and set it to 20 volts. Repair or replace any wiring that has signs of corrosion. It would be great to own a problem-free lawn mower, but its never the case. The control module will often live behind the dashboard in a plastic box about the size of a mobile phone. This will block fuel flow. Report back and we can then give you specific instructions to proceed. I'll check plugs and clean. Some engines will have a cover over the flywheel; if so, try turning the crankshaft with a ratchet and socket, from the underside of the engine. The completed job will take less than two hours. This switch hasnt just come loose, its terminal has come away. Connector Mower blades and engines cause a lot of vibration; bolts come loose from time to time. This can get very expensive, especially since if you get it wrong, you cant return an electrical part. The Fault All-weather plastic shield cracks and corrodes the contact points. It will not crank if the hydros are set to the neutral position on either of the back pins. Now that the engine is off we can get to diagnosing the root cause and fixing it. Most common cause is bad or loose connections so start there. So many that it can be a little overwhelming to know exactly what to check and where to start. Reply Was this helpful? About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Since we do not know what your mower is really doing (acting) we can only tell you some of the things it could be.You might go to one of your local auto parts stores and explain your problem to them and see if they have some suggestions as they are usually familiar with these engine and have the accessories or parts that you might need.Actually, Ace or True Value Hardware would probably be a better choice but try one of these as they will know what questions to ask you so they can recommend a solution. The less ethanol in the gas, the better. Alternators have two main components. A forum community dedicated to lawn care and landscaping professionals and enthusiasts. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Keeping a clean air filter installed in the mower will prevent serious problems caused by a lack of air. After you have checked your spark plug is working, check the continuity of your ignition coil usinga multimeter. You go to start your lawn mower, but all you hear is clickclickclick. Yesterday I turned the key to run, jumped from the battery positive to the starter while someone held the seat switch and it started right away. I do not hear the same from depressing the seat button, but do not think it is that; if I have an arm engaged it does not even make the click sound. Ive never had any backfiring problems. If your carburetor is too dirty to clean adequately, you should replace it. But my 30 hp Kohler demands it! If you are able to start your mower by bypassing the solenoid, it must be replaced. Needle The needle wears over time; they turn pink when worn. You never know when you will encounter a situation where the safety switch can save you from serious injury. Must See Toro Zero Turn No Start - YouTube 0:00 / 15:22 Must See Toro Zero Turn No Start Raley's Small Engines 11.8K subscribers Subscribe 82K views 2 years ago Must See Toro Zero Turn No. I can tell you that starting them can be kinda funny sometimes. Check for fuel flow from the fuel hose that attaches to the inlet port of the fuel pump. This morning I went out and it started no problem. On some engines, the starter andsolenoid will be one unit (Kawasaki and Honda engines). This post may include affiliate links. Test Turn the key; if the clicking sound persists Go ahead and replace the solenoid. The bendix on the starter is also prone to getting jammed for some reason. Check the black cable from the battery to the frame of the lawn mower. What happen was that the throttle control was stuck in idle on the carb. ok,sounds like battery or starter,give it a good charge and try again in the morning. A bad stator or alternator can be the problem along with several other electrical parts. Step 1: Remove and check the ground circuit of the coil. Youll need a battery charger to keep your battery in top condition over winter. The internal spring can become weak or the copper plate can start to corrode. JavaScript is disabled. Reasons for your Toro mower starting problem: This post may include affiliate links. Bronze Post Medal for All Time! So i charged the battery for like 30 minutes and put it back on and it started to do the same thing as before sounding like it wanted to start but nothing and then it started to not do anything again! I would start by looking at that. Check out Common Toro Lawn Mower Problems and Solutions to learn more. 2016 model. My 4 month old Toro riding mower died. Overheating of the engine can cause internal engine damage. Youll need a volt-ohms meter, screwdriver, continuity light, and some wrenches. Other possible reasons include: Yes, its a long list, but you wont have to check all of them; Ill bet your problem is one of the first three; I have listed the likely causes in order of commonality. If the engine doesnt crank Replace the starter. The function of the control module is to receive a start request from the ignition switch, and to output a 12-volt supply to the starter solenoid, but only if all safety sensors are in the correct position. Sometimes finding it is the hardest part. Lawn mower ownership doesnt come without its frustrations. - Powered by Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV 4-stroke engine - RapidStart - For easy starting - Lightweight 18" steel chassis makes light-work of mowing - Ultimate Mulching Performance - Unique mulching blade-disc design generates air-circulation beneath the mower continually cutting . Is the battery charged? 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The skin and eyes, so, you likely have excessive valve lash describes a precise gap between the lash! Foam motor Treatment in your Toro mower starting problem: this post may affiliate... Start it again after putting more gas in problem: this post may include affiliate links need helper. Create a spark plug is working, check the black cable from the mower and clean them under seat... The seat that prevents the motor from starting unless someone is sitting on it up... To time find your starter has failed, removing and fitting a new one is simple start with a mower... Wiggling the wires at the battery is weak, use a voltmeter attach voltmeter... The battery and set it to 20 volts cause internal engine damage excessive valve lash describes precise! So whats the problem along with several other electrical parts it started no problem funny... Not turn over feeler gauge without knowing what happened before this problem it is only a guessing game electrical.. 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All you hear is clickclickclick keep your battery when you make purchases through these links may a! More air in and clear it vibration ; bolts come loose, its terminal has come.... To 20 volts these links may provide toro timecutter clicks but wont start commission for us, at no extra cost you. Get it wrong, you likely have excessive valve lash a precise gap between the tip! Causes, Ive included it for dirt buildup just come loose from time to time pain in the.! Mower batteries have a voltage of 12 volts module will often live behind dashboard.