QuestionEric, I have a Craftsman rider mower. It is a 1990 model with a Tecumseh 12 hp engine. I used it some last year to mow. This winter with my snow blade attached, I have had a lot of difficulty in starting. Mostly it will only turn enough to bring Flywheel around to magnet, but not fast enough to really spin it for a good start. Yesterday with the local temperature at 60 degrees and the battery charger on, I was able to start it. At 60 degrees you don't need it much for snowblading. Is there a test I can do to see if it starting to lose it's starting power or is there some things I can do to improve this cold weather condition? Not wanting to spend a whole lot on a 14 year old mower tractor. Any sugestions would help. I put a new battery on this winter so that shouldn't be a problem.
AnswerThe only method I know to check a starter is a current draw test. You need a DC Shunt and a digital voltmeter or a DC ampmeter capable of handling 50 amps or so. Both the shunt and a meter can be fairly expensive.
I pulled out the Tecumseh manual and they do not list any specifications for the current draw test like other manufactures. They listed a 6 step procedure for STARTER CRANKS ENGINE SLOWLY
1. Battery discharged or weak
2. Parasitic load or "tight" engine
3. Worn brushes or weak brush springs
4. Dirty, oily or worn commutator
5. Worn bearings in cap assemblies
6. Defective armature
Not very heplful if you ask me. Do you have any experience rebuilding starters?
I would add that you can use, according to the manual, SAE 5W30 oil if the outside temperature is below 32 degrees.
Let me know if you have ever rebuilt any starters.
Eric
