Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): fly wheel, fly wheel, jumper wire

Question
Michael i replaced my fly wheel on my murry mower because it was plastic so i put on a metal one after getting it replace i went to start it the flywheel started turning all of the sudden it just stops the starter came up to turn the fly wheel is still up but want turn it anymore. I then turn it to go down and then try to start it again once again it starts turning then stops again. The teeth is still up into the fly wheel but want turn. It makes about 2 full turns before it stalls once again. Motor never turns over because flywheel doesn"t turn enough. What do i need to do. Thanks Artis  

Answer
Hi Artis,

It sounds like a weak starter or battery.  Follow my NO Crank 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.  Most equipment has safety switches in  the seat and on the blade engagement lever. Check them by temporarily bypassing with a small jumper wire.