Starter motor problem???

[DaveM]

I have a Craftsman 10hp riding lawnmower that now refuses to start. More specifically, when I turn the key, I hear a click, but there is no noise and the engine does not spin. I replaced the battery and used a charger to eliminate this as a possible cause. I realize that this is hard to diagnose from my simple description, but wanted to get opinions before spending $120 on a new starter motor.

Thanks for any help!
Dave

[BOA]

This might not be any help, but.....

Try to jump the starter with the battery. It sounds like you have a bad relay. If the starter spins, you can eliminate your starter as the problem.

[Mr T]

Check and clean your cables... at the battery end, AND at the end where they attach to your frame/engine/starter solenoid. Dont forget the one going from the solenoid to the starter if your 'noid is seperate.

As boa suggested, take a jumper cable and jump from your battery right to the starter terminal (not the solenoid terminal).

[DaveM]

Thanks for the good suggestions. I jumped directly from the battery (positive terminal) to the starter, but no luck (i.e., no movement from the starter). From the mounted position, I can't get to the negative side. When I have a few more free minutes, I'll pull the starter motor off and repeat the experiment. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Thanks again.

[Mr T]

The negative side wont matter, as long as your negative from your battery is securely mounted to the mower frame (may want to remove it, clean the connection, and re attach). Oh, and you motor has to be mounted down too :D

Also, unplug your spark plug and try to spin the engine by hand. Make sure your engine isnt locked up.

If you are questioning your ground.. jump from the battery to a good solid chunk of bare metal (no paint).

If you hvae had a weak battery for a while and have cranked on the starter alot, you may have killed it. Low voltage is a starter's worst enemy.

[DaveM]

Thanks Mr T. Interesting fact in that I didn't realize that trying to start with low voltage would cause the starter to fry/die. In case it does turn out to be the starter motor, do you happen to know if there are generic ones available, or will I have to pay the $120 for the Craftsman replacement?

[Mr T]

Probably a Tecumseh engine (some Sears may use Briggs & Stratton)
Pull the starter off, get the model number of the engine (not the sears #) It will be stamped on the nameplate of the engine. Take it and hit up your local mower shop.

Sears can be hit and miss with parts pricing. Something like that may be a bit more expensive. Belts seem to be a fair price at sears though.

[DaveM]

Here is an update in case anyone is interested:
After trying all the suggestions here, I removed the starter motor and was not able to turn the shaft manually. I took off the casing and found that one of the magnets has dislodged from the case and was lodged in the windings.

I found the Tecumseh model number and was able to order a new motor on Ebay for $60. Hopefully this will arrive soon and I'll bolt it on with not problem. Thanks again for your help.