Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda generator electric start, honda gx340, honda generator

Question
I have a Honda GX340 11 hp motor with an electric start (switch QAE2 type) about six years old and very few hours.  When I tried to start it today I turned the switch to start and there was a large, metallic "bang" and the starter did not turn the motor.  The motor runs on propane so will not start on a yanked rope.  The circuit breaker by the engine switch tripped and will not reset. I tested power at the starter and had 13.5 volts but there is just one small click each time I turn the switch to start.   I was able to start the motor by turning the switch on and squirting a bit of starting fluid into the carb.  That started the motor which then ran on propane.  However, I'm old and infirmed and my wife cannot start the motor that way.  A call to a repairman brought an annoucement that he would charge a minimum of $250 to come out and look at it (I live on an island reached by ferry).  I really can't afford that plus extra labor and probably parts.  The system weighs far too much for my wife and I to carry to my truck.  This motor has always started instantly in the past and has never had any work done on it.  I bought it new in 1999.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Jerry,

You may have a bad solenoid or internal engine damage, it's hard to say.  Follow my no-cranking proceedure below and let me know how you make out.

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.