Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Carburetor Solenoid Hot to the touch...., ground cable, solenoid

Question
QUESTION: John,

I have a John Deere LA 140 that is about 2 yrs old and recently had a battery go bad.   I was cutting the grass when the engine started surging up and down until it died....  I re-started it a few times and the motor would surge, then die.... after a few tries, the battery was dead.  I tried to charge the battery but it would not take a charge.  

I have replaced the battery now, and have cut the grass once with it - no problems.  Yesterday, I tried it again, and immediately, the engine was surging and would only stay started for approx. 1 minute.  

I tried to restart and the same condition persists - I can not keep it running.  Given my last experience, I checked the battery and it was fully charged.  

After looking through some commentary on this site, I decided to check out the carburetor solenoid as I suspect this could be my problem.   Although my mower hasn't been running at all today, and was not running when I felt the carb solenoid, it was very hot to the touch.  This does not seem right to me, and I could see how with much time, it could have been the source of my previous battery dying...?  Is this normal for it to be hot to the touch? Am I going down the right path in troubleshooting this? any suggestions are very much appreciated....

Thank you for your help.

jsk

ANSWER: Hello Jeff:

>>If the Carburetor Solenoid is Hot with the Ign Switch in the Off Position, then Check/Replace the Ign Switch and Replace the Carburetor Solenoid. There should be No Power to the Carburetor Solenoid with the Ign Switch in the Off Position and the Carburetor Solenoid should NOT be HOT.
>>Try Attaching a Ground Cable from the Engine to the Frame of the Unit. Usually the Cause for the Carburetor Solenoid Getting Hot as you Described is a Weak Ground between the Engine and the Frame.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H and Enter the Model Numbers LA140 and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. *You can Drag the View Windows for Better Viewing.*
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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

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

QUESTION: Hey John,

Thanks for the quick and detailed reply (and for the wishful blessing at the end).  I went to check that my ignition switch was in the off position and found that it wasn't.  I have re-connected the carburetor solenoid and it is no longer hot in this state (with the ignition off).  I presume this means my ignition switch should be OK?  

I will replace the carb solenoid next (assuming the local JD dealer keeps those in stock.)  

You also advised grounding the engine to the frame - Can you tell me more about how to do this?  Is there a procedure I can follow?  Is it possible that I have had a ground connection come loose that I should be searching for?  

Really appreciate your guidance.

Thanks,

jsk

Answer
Hello Jeff:

>>You are Very Welcome.
>>Yes, the Ign Switch is Good but the Carburetor Solenoid should be Replaced before the Unit is Operated Again as you Plan to do.
>>Oil and Dirt Seep Between the Engine Mounts and the Ground between the Engine and Frame.
>>Connect a 6 Gauge Wire from a Blower Housing Bolt to Any Bolt on the Frame of the Unit. This will Give the Engine a Proper and Good Ground.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. As Always, May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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