Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn Boy Starter

Question
QUESTION: I have a Lawn Boy model 10361 push mower with electric starter. Starter will spin but not engage. Made sure the pinion gear was clean and used some graphite spray as a little lubricant, but still will not engage. Any suggestions?

ANSWER: You should have a Tecumseh engine model LEV120-361546B.

Is the battery fully charged?  Did you check the voltage drop from the starter to the battery to verify the condition of the wiring and connections?

How old is the battery?

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Battery is only one or two years old and seems to hold a charge around 13 volts. Charger is working fine. Checked connections and have about the same voltage at the starter, about 12.75 volts. I went ahead and cleaned the terminals, but noticed no difference. Once or twice the starter did engage and the engine started right up, but most of the time it just spins and does not engage. I even took the pinion gear apart and made sure it was clean. I'm out of options. Any other suggestions? I am looking to sell this mower, so I don't really want to spend any money on it. The engine fired right up with the first pull on the starter.

Answer
Did you lube the pinion with dry graphite or WD-40?

I suspect the battery since they fail frequently.  

Did you try connecting another battery from a riding mower, motorcycle or atv? You could try using a car battery but it is a little large for what you need.

Eric