Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 14.5 hp B &S engine on MTD Tractor, chevy blazer, jumper wire

Question
Starting Problem...  i have a good battery and starter, but I have to hook my charger,my booster plus my Chevy Blazer all on at once to start it.  It pops back a couple of times ..then it starts.  It runs great all but when  the time i use it butif i shutit off..it won't start again.  HELP!ohxd

Answer
Hi Bill,

If you have a good battery and starter, adding a boost from a second battery should have no effect.  I suspect dirty connections or a weak solenoid or starter.  Check that out, then follow my No Cranking proceedure below.  Use what applies.

Good luck.
Michael

I would check the starter first.  Jump the positive battery terminal to the
starter and it should crank over. If so, skip to step 2.
If not, jump from a battery that you know is good, from a car.  If still
nothing, the starter is bad.  If good, then the mower battery is weak.  

Step 2.
If the starter and battery are good, you will need to trace the entire circuit
from the starter to the battery.   The solenoid, switches the battery power to
the starter, when power from the key switch is sent to the small terminal on the
solenoid. To test the solenoid, first make sure that you have power at its large
terminal which comes from the battery. Then jump power from that terminal or the
battery positive post, to its small terminal. You should hear a click and the
other large terminal that feeds the starter should be energized. If not, then
the solenoid is bad. If good, then continue tracing the power through the key
switch to the battery until you find the break in the power path.   All testing
can be done with a 12 volt light or a voltmeter.  Most equipment has safety
switches in  the seat and on the blade engagement lever. Check them by
temporarily bypassing with a small jumper wire.