Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro electric start - continued, assembly drawings, field windings

Question
QUESTION: I have a Toro model 20074, SN 270000325. The battery is good at 12.9 volts. I have followed the connectors - using the start bar and the key switch for testing - so the current is running all the way through. The voltmeter test show good ratings all the way to the start switch. The activation bar to the start switch lever is working. No contact at that point. Have not had the machine that long so I don't know if the start switch/starter is bad. The connectors show good voltage all the way to the starter switch - then nothing. Ideas.

Thanks .. Ron

ANSWER: hi ron
from what you tell me sounds like the key switching assy is bad- is the fuse good ?

use a test light with the clip end clipped to the neg battery terminal and touch the probe to the wire you want to check for live feed

and is there any flow out of key switch ? while key is turned to start - check the red wire out of starter switch for voltage should be 12 volt d/c if none ......
I installed a new key switch - did not help.  I checked the voltage again all the way to the final connection with the key switch to "start" and voltage was 12 volts(I tested the final red wire unattached to the motor switch).  When I attached the red wire to the starter motor switch - no voltage.  At that time I had the black probe against the ground-black on the engine and the red probe against the now connected(to the starter switch) red wire.

Answer
Hello Ron:

>>I am Guessing this is a Question and Answer from Another Expert here at All Experts.
>>From your Description and the Answer it Sounds like a Bad Ground Wire from the Battery to the Engine or an Open Winding/Circuit (Bad Field Windings/Circuit) in the Starter.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, https://lookup3.toro.com/partdex/default.cfm and Select Start Parts Viewer. Now Enter the Model Numbers (20074) and Click Search. Now Select View Assembly Drawings for your Year Model.
>>I Looked at the Electrical Breakdown (Electrical Assembly File) for this Unit at the Toro Site.
>>You have Power from the Battery (B+) going to the Fuse. From the Fuse to the Starter Switch Assembly.
>>When you Turn the Key the Power is Transferred to the Starter Post.
>>The Engine is Directly Connected to the Battery for a Ground and the Starter Grounds to the Battery through the Engine.
>>Make Sure the Engine has a Good Ground to the Battery.
>>Sometimes the Ground Wire will have Enough of a Connection (electrical current flow) for the Testers to Operate Correctly, but
>>The Current Required for the Starter is so much Greater than the Testers that the Starter will Not Move, Smoke or even Allow the Starter Solenoid (if Applicable) to Engage.
>>A Quick Check of the Engine Ground is to Use Jumper Cables and Attach 1 Lead to the Battery and the Other End of the Lead to the Engine.
>>If the Ground to the Engine is Good, then
>>Test the Starter with Jumper Cables.
>>Attach 1 End/Lead (Red) of the Jumper Cables to the Positive Post of the Battery.
>>Now, Firmly Touch the Battery Post of the Starter. **There will be Sparks and if the Starter has Not Started to Turn within "2 to 3 Seconds (using the 1 One thousand, 2 One Thousand count method), then Release the Jumper Cable from the Starter Post. If the Starter is Turn the Engine Correctly you should Still Release the Jumper Cable End AFTER 3 SECONDS but NO MORE THAN 5 SECONDS**
>>If the Starter Does Not Turn or Turns Slowly or Smokes, then
>>Replace the Starter.
>>If the Starter Turns Correctly, then there is a Wiring Problem that you and I have Simply Missed during the Earlier Diagnostic.
>>Thanks for Using All Experts and for Not Giving Up on this Problem.
>>Forgive me for Using Prepared Files, but I am Not a Typist and have Found it Easier to make Files to Assist us on Common Problems and Allow me More Time to Do Research for Parts, Manuals and Other Small Engine Concerns.
>>Thanks.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John