QuestionQUESTION: I have a 16.5 HP B&S model 42A707. I am having an issue with the engine turning over when starting, it cranks 1/2 a revolution then hangs up, turn the key to "off" position and "on" again and it will turn in short bursts with the off/on key action. I removed the plugs and it turns freely. Battery is reading 12 volts with volt meter. if jumped with my truck it will start and then runs fine while mowing the yard, when i turn it off same issue occurs.
ANSWER: Hello Rick:
Is the Engine Oil Level Correct? From your Description, it Sounds like the Starter May be Binding/Dragging, the Battery May have a Weak Cell or a Blown Head Gasket on One of the Cylinders. Also, if your Vehicle was Running when you Jumped the Mower, then the Stator (Alternator) or the Regulator May be Fried. The Vehicles Alternator System is Much Larger (68amps Min) than the Mowers (16amps Maximum) and Will Overload the Mowers Charging System if Started with the Vehicle Running. Always Jump a Mower with the Vehicle Not Running to Ensure the Mowers Charging System is Not Damaged. Leave the Voltmeter Attached to the Battery and Watch the Voltage when you Attempt to Start the Engine. What does the Battery Read? If Less Than 10.5 VDC, then the Battery May have a Weak Cell or the Starter May be Binding/Dragging. Check the Battery for a Weak Cell and the Starter for Binding/Dragging. 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: John..Thanks for the response. The engine oil is correct and I did jump the tractor with the truck engine off. I have however used my battery charger with the 50 amp "quick start" switch to start it a couple of times. Will this damage my alternator? If so maybe that is why I am going through another battery already. I put a volt meter on the battery and it read 12 volts, then I attempted to start the tractor and the volt meter went down to 5 volts when trying to turn the engine over. I think the cheapest way to start is buying a new battery, although the battery in the tractor is only a little over a year old.
AnswerHello Again Rick:
Yes the Battery Charger can Damage the Mowers Stator/Alternator or the Voltage Regulator just as the Vehicles Alternator Does. Use the Battery Charger to Charge the Battery Only, NEVER to Jump Start the engine. This Engine May or May Not have a Voltage Regulator. 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. The Battery Should Not Drop Below 10.5VDC when the Starter is Engaged. If it is Dropping to 5VDC, then the Battery May have a Bad/Weak Cell. Are All the Battery Connections Clean and Tight. If Yes, then Start with a New Battery. If the Starter and the Battery are Good, then Check the Cylinder Compression. A Head Gasket May be Blown on One Cylinder and can Cause the Starting Problem you Described. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
