QuestionQUESTION: I started the lawnmower and could not get it to move...either forward or reverse. I turned it off and double checked on the brake and the freewheel control. I started the mower up again and again I could not get it to move. I was able to engage the blades. I turned it off again and read the troubleshooting manual. It said to check the oil. I did. There was little to none on the dip stick. I drained what was there and refilled with SAE-30. I tried to start the mower yet again; however, this time it wouldn't start. It makes a click...but doesn't even turn over. Is the engine burned up because of the oil? It is a Briggs and Stratton engine in a Husqvarna lawnmower. The engine model # is 446677; the type # is 0463-E1; the code # is 050201 YH. The name of the engine is ELS. My husband is gone for the next 3 months and I really need a lawnmower. Thanks for any ideas/suggestions you can give me.
ANSWER: Hello Julie:
Recharge the Battery. It Sounds like you May have Started it so Many Times that the Battery is Low. You Stated the Engine was Running and All you Did was Change the Oil. Did you Over Fill the Engine with Oil? If the Oil is at the Correct Level, then you Need to Check the Starter and Solenoid First. Use your Jumper Cable Set and Attach the Positive Lead Onto the Positive Post of the Battery (make Sure the Battery has a Full Charge or is a New 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. If the Starter and Solenoid Test Good, then you Need to Check the Safety Switches. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHECKING THE SAFETY SWITCHES IS JUST THAT!!! FOR CHECKING ONLY. I NEVER Suggest a Mower be Operated with a Safety Device or Switch Disconnected or Bypassed. Now. On Some Model Mowers you can Simply Unplug the Safety Switch from the Harness. On Other Models you have to Place a Jumper Wire Between the Harness Terminals (on the 4 Post Switch Jumper from Same Color Wire to Same Color Wire). Check the Clutch/Break and the Blade/PTO Safety Switches First. Check the Seat Safety Last. Usually the Seat Safety is Not in the System for Starting the Engine. Just to Ensure Someone is in the Seat when Engaging the Transaxle and/or Blades. I Do Not Suspect the Engine Being Locked as it was Operating Before you Changed the Oil. 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. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, 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 you Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hey John,
No, I didn't overfill the oil. I took the battery and had it checked and re-charged. I put the battery back in and tried to start it again. Again, nothing but one click. I tried to turn the top thing (a flywheel or something to the engine) but it would not turn. A friend suggested that since it was making a click that the solenoid was probably good...but since I couldn't turn the flywheel thing that the starter was locked up.
I finally figured out where the starter and the solenoid were. After re-reading your answer above, I think I know understand what I'm suppose to do to check both the starter and the solenoid. (I am not all that mechanical but I am willing to learn.) I'll check those in the morning. The model # is 446677, type # 0463EI and the code # is 050201YH.
Thanks for all of your help - Julie
AnswerHello Again Julie:
No Worries. I Try to Put my Answers in Terms I Think Everyone can Understand. I Will Endeavor to Make my Answers as Clear as Possible. I Like to Use Online Breakdowns for Reference when I can. I see by the Model Numbers I Was Not Quite Clear. On the Mower Body, Usually Under the Seat on on the Bottom of the Seat Should be the OEM (Mowers Model Number) Tag. With these Numbers I can Direct you to A Breakdown of the Tractor and you can See Approximately Where Each Component is Located and I can Use the Breakdown for Reference. There can Be a Safety Switch that is Just Not Making Good Contact Causing this Problem. The Starter Locking Up is Really Rare. Usually if You Test the Starter Direct as I Instructed and it Doesn't Turn, You Would Remove the Starter and See the Starter Jammed Upon Removal. A Bad Solenoid will Just Click Because of Burnt Contacts. Usually the Clicking is the Following in Order of Most Common Cause: 1- The Starter; Jammed Starter Due to Bad Starter Drive Gear or Jammed Starter Due to Bad Flywheel Ring Gear. 2- The Solenoid; Due to Burnt Contacts or a Safety Switch Not Making Good Contact or Bad. Good Luck on the Starter and Solenoid Check and Let me Know the Results or Ask More Question if you Want to, Please. Thanks.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
