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About Robert Kapsy
Expertise
Mower Engines, Lawn Tractor, Tiller, Generators, Pump repairs, Etc. I have 25 years of experience at Briggs & Stratton, 13 of those years teaching engine repair, and in the engineering dept. I currently still work the in the Engineering Services Dept. I developed troubleshooting programs and have worked the phones helping customers. Please include the Model number, Engine Manufacture and age of the engine and/or product with your question if possible.

Experience
My experience has been with Briggs and Stratton for 30 years. I taught service school for 15 of those years. I have worked in Engineering and Quality Depts for the balance. My strengths are on Briggs engines but others as well. To insure accurate and best response, it is important to include the Model number, Engine Mfg. and age of the engine and/or product with your question if possible.Also...WHEN DID THE PROBLEM START OCCURING??? You Can also go the Briggs and Stratton.com for help as well as parts for the engine.
 
   

You are here:  Experts > Home/Garden > Home Appliances > Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.) > Craftsman Riding Mower; Engine clicks; but will not start

Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.) - Craftsman Riding Mower; Engine clicks; but will not start


Expert: Robert Kapsy - 10/4/2004

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";  

Answer
Rick, 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

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