Lawn Mower Help

[longsidelandry]

My Craftsman lawn mower won't start. When I turn the key it just hums. Every now and then it will turn over once but then goes back to humming. I made sure the battery was fully charged but got the same outcome. Would it be the starter that went out?

[eman]

Take a hammer and tap the starter and see if it frees it up .sounds like the starter is not enguaging

[fishinpox]

[redtail28]

Check for bad grounds. tap the starter it
kind of sounds like the starter bendixs is stuck
in the fly wheel.
Good luck.

[BigChaf]

I would agree with eman.

[MossLake]

Here are a few guesses
1. Starter
2. Valves need adjusting-If its an OHV(overhead valve) engine, I've seen where the valve clearances need to be reset. Engine would run ok once started, but would turn over very slow until it fired off.
3. Check the starter solenoid-Use voltmeter to check power to starter. There are two bigger battery wires on solenoid. 12Volt coming in from battery and should have 12 volt going out to starter when key is in start position.
Good Luck

[longsidelandry]

Thanks guys. I tried beating it like a red headed step child once I got enough when it wouldn't start but that didn't help. I didn't have my meter in my truck, gonna stop and pick it up this afternoon so I can check the voltage.

[aquaholic78]

try turning the flywheel by hand until the engine strokes, then try to start it. kinda like a compression release. valves probably need adjusting. mine did the same thing

[longsidelandry]

Originally Posted by aquaholic78

try turning the flywheel by hand until the engine strokes, then try to start it. kinda like a compression release. valves probably need adjusting. mine did the same thing

Just remembered something. The last time it ran, it did take it a little while before it got running good.

[adamsfence]

Mine did that it was the valves adjusted them and it was fixed

[longsidelandry]

Originally Posted by adamsfence

Mine did that it was the valves adjusted them and it was fixed

I'll have to check them tonight also.

[Gerald]

To check the solenoid .....take a scewdriver and make it touch the terminal where the each of the "big" wires connect to it. The solenoid is just a magnitic switch. If the part inside is not moving or there is corroded contacts, it needs replacing. If this makes the starting motor work.....change the solenoid.

It may spark and shake when you do this.....so be ready and don't jump when this happens.

Also check the condition of all wires and connections. A bad [and you may not think it is bad] connection could cause very low voltage and the starter would not work.

Sometimes the starter motor gear may not engage with the flywheel. It might just spin.....and that is what you are hearing. If this is the problem...try putting a little oil on it and work the gear by hand a few times.

[huntin fool]

Originally Posted by Gerald

To check the solenoid .....take a scewdriver and make it touch the terminal where the each of the "big" wires connect to it. The solenoid is just a magnitic switch. If the part inside is not moving or there is corroded contacts, it needs replacing. If this makes the starting motor work.....change the solenoid.

It may spark and shake when you do this.....so be ready and don't jump when this happens.

Also check the condition of all wires and connections. A bad [and you may not think it is bad] connection could cause very low voltage and the starter would not work.

Sometimes the starter motor gear may not engage with the flywheel. It might just spin.....and that is what you are hearing. If this is the problem...try putting a little oil on it and work the gear by hand a few times.

I remember my first time.. I about sh$% myself....Everybody just laughed...

[Bluechip]

Originally Posted by huntin fool

I remember my first time.. I about sh$% myself....Everybody just laughed...

Lol...first time hell. It still gets me everytime.