Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Starting problem Sabre Lawn Tractor, john deere tractor, poor earth

Question
Hi Paul and greetings from a fellow "expert" (TIG Welding).

I have had an issue with my Model 1546G Sabre (by John Deere) tractor for a couple of years now and have not been able to figure it out.

When I turn the key the solenoid make a strong 'click' sound but the starter does not engage.

When i jump the solenoid across the poles, the mower starts very normally.

I have replaced the solenoid 2x and the ignition switch......never changing the resulting problem.

The battery and charging system are in perfect shape.
All of the "safety" switches seem to function normally.

Any thoughts?

Is there a way to check the solenoid?? Maybe I got 2 bad new ones??

Thank you in advance,

Dean.

Answer
hi
my ist thought would be a solenoid to  but  2 in a row ?

to check solenoid contacts disconnect battery side on solenoid and   starter motor side from solenoid then   while in cranking / start mode  put your voltmeter accros the heavy contacts( in resistance mode )  and note the ohms restance  if resistance seems very high   could be burned contacts ?

reconnect cables to solenoid  and put voltmeter in d/c volt  mode accros heavy terminals and crank starter  voltage should be very close to  battery voltage if  contacts are in good condition

note voltage accross heavy contacts should be almost the same as battery voltage  
with very very little resistance

the other thing to check is bad battery to solenoid cable and or bad solenoid to starter cable
volt drop on starter cables should be no more than 0.4 volt max or less is better

starter solenoids  volt drop  0.2 volt drop max
battey terminals 0.2 volt drop max  

or even a bad ground wire  back to battery or even a poor earth on starter motor
if they all check out  might pay to check starter motor & check brushes in starter motor


give it a crack  

let me   know

cheers mate  paul