Question"Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower
13.5 Horsepower; Briggs & Stratton Engine;
Model#: 917.252501; May 1995
I cut the yard one weekend, and then next weekend the engine won't turn over. I turn the key, hear a click (solenoid), but the starter won't spin and engage the flywheel;
The manual recommends checking the following, and here is what I found/did:
1) weak or dead battery; > no, fully charged;
2) corroded battery terminals; > no, very clean;
3) faulty solenoid; > no, replaced it with a new part, but got same result;
4) faulty starter; > not sure; bypassed it with a jumper cable, and I can at least get it to spin, but it will not engage the flywheel;
5) loose or damaged wiring; I have no idea how to respond to this...
In the meantime, it may be useful to know that:
a) The clutch/brake pedal safety switch works;
b) The blade engagement safety switch works;
c) Not sure about the seat operator presence safety switch; seat up or seat down, I still get the click.
Please help. This is making me nuts. I have already paid someone else to cut the yard once, and I am reluctant to take it in to the local repair shop due to past experience.
Kind Regards,
Rick King
Pleasantville NY";
AnswerRick, the pinion is stuck or locked on the helex on the top of the starter. Remove the starter,,,, Blow off the helex with compressed air, clean, but do not LUBRICATE! Move it up and down to see if it moves freely...if not,,,,replace the assembly.....Bob
