QuestionHi, sir, quick question. I have a Yard Machine (I think it's a B&S engine). Anyway, I've changed spark plugs, solenoid, and was told the fuse looked fine. New battery. When I turn the key, it makes a loud clacking noise that is rapid. From looking at other questions, I am assuming this means bad connections? Or could the starter be fried? My other solenoid would NOT make a clacking noise when I turned the key, but when I bridged the solenoid posts, it would TRY to start (almost turn over, or act like it). But with the NEW solenoid, bridging the gap doesn't do anything to the starter or flywheel - nothing. Thanks for answering questions - I'm a city slicker trying to learn this stuff...
AnswerCould be the solenoid. Did you remove the spark plug(s) and try bridging the solenoid posts?
Is the starter pinion gear binding again the flywheel ring gear?
I've seen a few bad starters but most of the time it's a dirty connection or bad solenoid. When you replaced the battery did you clean the cable ends and battery terminal with a wirebrush before you connected the new battery? I have fixed a lot of starting problems just by cleaning the connections.
Let me know if the starter pinion is binding and if the starter will turn the engine with the spark plug(s) removed.
Eric
