Craftsman Riding Mower

[Dick Langendorff]

I'm trying to help my neighbor get his mower started. Good battery, etc.

Briggs and S 19. 5 HP.



It simply will not turn over. I ran jumper cables directly from the battery to the Positive post on and starter and to ground. Nothing.



The positive post on the starter seems to be loose. Could that be the problem? If that is the problem, can it be repaired or does he need a new starter?



Thanks in advance for any and all input.



Dick Langendorff

 

[pullya]

This sounds pretty simple but is someone sitting on the seat when you are trying to start it? I think there is a switch that will not allow it to be started without someone sitting on the seat. Sorry to be so elementary.

Jay

 

[rscurtis]

That could be the problem. Remove the cable and tighten the nut that secures the terminal to the starter. Failing that, R&R the starter and bench test it. If still no luck disassemble it and look for a burnt brush lead or a disintegrated magnet. If replacement is required, B&S starters are relatively inexpensive. Before you get that drastic, verify the engine turns OK and is not seized.

 

[fest3er]

Don't forget the usual clutch interlock switch. There's also a chance it won't start if it thinks the blade clutch is engaged. Think about all the safety interlocks and which ones are in series. If you take reasonable precautions, you can bypass all the safety cutouts in order to eliminate them as the cause.

 

[Dieselnut59]

Sounds like the problem is in the starter itself. If the engine was seized, you would have sparks flying everywhere if you ran jumper cables straight to the starter. Also, by running the cables straight to the starter, you have already "bypassed" the mentioned safety crap, which can also cause a lot of trouble. Safety switches are to make equipment "idiot proof" and "lawsuit resistant". I took care of my seat switch the day I bought my mower and the brake interlock POS later. Anyway, sounds like a bad starter.