Mastercraft 19 HP lawn tractor -- starting

[oldmatelot]

Went to start the mower today and it would not start -- instead of firing i was getting a loud whineng sound -- gave it a little "quick start" and no firing -- just the whining sound -- would anyone be able to tell me the possible causes of this as I do not have the $ to take it to a repair centre. Thanks

 

[texican65]

Was the engine cranking at all? Maybe the battery is going dead and it doesn't have enough amps to crank the engine, but its trying? or...maybe a bad starter....sometimes the solenoid that engages the flywheel goes bad and the starter will spin/whine and never engage the flywheel...so the engine won't start. Hope i'm not WAY wrong here...

Dow

 

[oldmatelot]

the flywheel was not turning -- I boosted the battery from the car - the plugs are old could that be it? -- would giving the starter a thump be of any use as in my younger days that worked for a car I had --

 

[texican65]

Ya...tap on it a little bit...might work. Unless the little arm inside that moves to engage the flywheel is physically broken off or something....I've had that happen before. I dont think its old plugs. check the wires to the starter, make sure they're not dirty or loose, freyed, cut. Never tried it....but can a mower be push started...by poping the clutch?

 

[motorhead460]

Sounds like the starter is not engaging and turning the flywheel, the gear on it might be stuck or rusted. Give the gear and Bendix a shot of wd40 and work it a little and see if it frees it up.

 

[oldmatelot]

I will certainly try -- once I find it -- ( not too mechanical ) I guess I should find where the battery cables go -- This machine is killing me -- 2weeks ago had to replace a spindle assy