Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): murray tractor 42, starter solenoid, jumper cables

Question
QUESTION: I have a tractor that if I try to start it, nothing happens.. 12 volts on one
side of soleniod but nothing on the other.. if I jump it with my truck I get
6 volts and it cranks real slow.. where is all the power going ? If I try
to jump the started right with the truck battery I get nothing.. If I pull the
starter and jump it, its spins,this is most strange.. anyone got any ideas ??

ANSWER: Hello Kevin:

The Starter Solenoid May be Bad. Use your Jumper Cable Set and Attach the Positive Lead Onto the Positive Post of the Battery ( make sure the Battery is Fully Charged or is a New/Fully Charged Battery). Now Firmly Touch the Large Post on the Starter. If the Starter Turns the Engine Properly, Then Check the Solenoid. Firmly Touch the Small Post at the Base of the Solenoid. If The Starter Does Not Turn and the Solenoid Clicks, Then the Solenoid is Bad. Does the Battery have a Bad/Weak Cell? A Bad/Weak Cell will Cause this Problem. On Some Models the Safety System will Cause a Similar Problem. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower and Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

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

QUESTION: I'll have to bring my truck out and jump with that battery, I know its good.. but till then here are my lucky numbers Engine B&S model 42a707 type 2653e1 code 9712055B and the tractor is a Murray 46570x8B.. thanks..
ANSWER: Hello Again Kevin:

DO NOT have the Vehicle Running When you Jump to the Mower. If it is it Will Fry the Stator/Alternator on the Mower. Use Just the Battery. You can Run the Vehicle for 5 Minutes with the Jumper Cables Attached and that Will Charge the Mower Battery. Then Shut Off the Vehicle and Leave the Cables Attached. Try to Start the Mower, then. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Go to this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (Murray) and Enter the Model Numbers (46570X8B). Then Double Click on your Model in the Results Area. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

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

QUESTION: thanks John, you will never believe what the issue turned out to be.. I still have no clue why it is an issue but I fixed it.  I used my truck battery to try to jump my battery and start it.. no dice.. then I took the hot line and put right to the starter pole..no dice.. then I pulled the started and put black and red and it ran.. hmmm.. so I put it back in and tried to put power on starter pole.. no dice.. hmmm.. then I put black on the started case and gave it power.. it RAN !!.. so with more and more tests it turned out that the started didnt have ground.. its mounted to the engine block and engine to frame.. and battery NEG to the frame.. but not getting it..what is up with that.. so then I tried putting wire from starter mounting bolts to frame.. no dice again.. so last ditch effort I put a 12g wire from the mounting bolt to the NEG battery terminal and it starts fine.. what is up with dat !?  It still is puzzling why ground is not getting to the started for normal means.. so really my last question to you is.. that safe ? you see any issues with that ? Thanks for all your help..

Answer
Hello Again Kevin:

I have seen this Once Before and it was a Long Long Time Ago. Did you Remove the Starter and Clean the Mounting Surfaces? Running a Ground to the Starter Mounting Bolts Should Cause No Problems. Did you Clean the Battery Ground Where it Attaches to the Frame? I am Glad you Got it Running. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.

Best Wishes and Good Luck

Respectfully

John