The roar of a freshly started lawn mower is a familiar sound of summer. But what happens when that roar turns into a groan, a sputter, or worse, complete silence? A faulty starter can turn your lawn care routine into a frustrating struggle.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the common signs of a failing lawn mower starter, the different types of starters, and step-by-step instructions on how to test your starter to diagnose the problem. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently identify if your starter is the culprit and take the necessary steps to get your mower running smoothly again.
Understanding the Role of the Starter
The starter motor is the essential component that initiates the combustion process in your lawn mower engine. When you turn the key or pull the starter cord, the starter engages with the engine’s flywheel, cranking the crankshaft and allowing the spark plug to ignite the fuel mixture. Without a functioning starter, your mower won’t even turn over, leaving you with a frustratingly immobile machine.
Recognizing the Signs of a Failing Lawn Mower Starter
Before you dive into testing your starter, it’s crucial to identify the symptoms that indicate a potential problem. Here are some common signs:
1. Slow Cranking or No Cranking at All
If your lawn mower engine cranks slowly or doesn’t crank at all when you engage the starter, this is a strong indication that the starter is failing. A sluggish starter might be caused by a weak battery, but if the battery is fully charged and the engine still struggles, the starter itself might be the culprit.
2. Clicking Noise Instead of Cranking
Another common symptom of a failing starter is a clicking noise when you try to start the engine. This clicking sound usually signifies a problem with the starter solenoid, which is responsible for engaging the starter motor.
3. Grinding or Scraping Sounds
If you hear grinding or scraping noises coming from the starter area, this could indicate that the starter gear is worn out or misaligned. This issue can lead to damage to both the starter and the engine if left unaddressed.
4. Smoke or Burning Smell
If you notice smoke or a burning smell coming from the starter area, this is a serious sign of a potential electrical short or overheating issue. It’s crucial to stop using the mower immediately and address the problem to prevent further damage.
Types of Lawn Mower Starters
There are two main types of starters commonly used in lawn mowers:
1. Electric Starter
Electric starters are found in most modern lawn mowers. They are typically powered by a 12-volt battery and use an electric motor to crank the engine.
2. Recoil Starter
Recoil starters are often found in smaller, less powerful lawn mowers. They utilize a spring-loaded mechanism that is pulled by a rope to engage the starter and crank the engine.
Testing Your Lawn Mower Starter: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve identified the symptoms of a potential starter problem, it’s time to test your starter to confirm the diagnosis. Here’s a detailed guide for testing both electric and recoil starters:
Testing an Electric Starter
1. Safety First: Disconnect the Battery
Before you begin testing, it’s absolutely essential to disconnect the battery cables. This will prevent accidental electric shocks or short circuits.
2. Locate the Starter Motor
The starter motor is usually located on the engine’s side, near the flywheel. It will be a relatively large cylindrical unit with wires connected to it.
3. Use a Multimeter to Check Continuity
Use a multimeter set to the “ohms” or “resistance” setting to check for continuity between the starter’s terminal posts. The reading should be close to zero ohms, indicating a good electrical connection. If you get an infinite reading, this suggests a broken wire or a problem with the starter motor itself.
4. Check the Starter Solenoid
The starter solenoid is a small cylindrical device that acts as a switch between the battery and the starter motor. To test it, connect the positive lead of your multimeter to the solenoid’s “S” terminal (the smaller terminal) and the negative lead to the solenoid’s “B” terminal (the larger terminal). Turn the key to the “start” position. You should hear a click and see a change in the multimeter reading. If there’s no click or change in reading, the solenoid might be faulty.
5. Check the Starter Motor
With the battery disconnected, connect the positive lead of your multimeter to the starter motor’s “B” terminal and the negative lead to the starter motor’s “M” terminal. Now, use a jumper cable or screwdriver to briefly touch the “S” terminal of the starter solenoid to the positive battery terminal. This will momentarily energize the starter motor. You should hear the starter motor engaging and turning. If it doesn’t, the starter motor itself is likely faulty.
Testing a Recoil Starter
1. Check the Recoil Rope
First, check the recoil rope itself. Make sure it’s properly wound and that it pulls freely without snagging or binding. If the rope is frayed, worn, or broken, it needs to be replaced.
2. Inspect the Recoil Spring
Inspect the recoil spring for signs of wear, rust, or breakage. A weak or broken spring won’t be able to provide enough force to engage the starter mechanism.
3. Check the Recoil Housing
Look for any damage or cracks in the recoil housing. A damaged housing can hinder the smooth operation of the starter mechanism.
4. Lubricate the Recoil Mechanism
Apply a small amount of light oil to the recoil mechanism to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.
5. Test the Recoil Starter
With the engine off, pull the recoil rope several times. If the starter engages and spins the engine freely, the recoil starter is likely working properly. However, if the rope feels heavy or the starter doesn’t engage, there might be an issue with the spring, housing, or internal mechanism.
Troubleshooting Common Starter Problems
1. Weak Battery
A weak or dead battery can prevent the starter motor from cranking the engine. Test the battery voltage using a voltmeter. If the voltage is below 12.5 volts, the battery needs to be charged or replaced.
2. Clogged Air Filter
A clogged air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, making it difficult to start. Remove and inspect the air filter. If it’s dirty or clogged, clean or replace it.
3. Fuel Issues
Fuel problems, such as a clogged fuel line or a faulty fuel pump, can also prevent the engine from starting. Check the fuel lines for clogs, and ensure the fuel tank is full and the fuel is fresh.
4. Spark Plug Issues
A faulty spark plug can prevent ignition. Remove and inspect the spark plug for signs of wear, fouling, or damage. Replace the spark plug if necessary.
5. Ignition Coil Issues
A faulty ignition coil can prevent the spark plug from receiving a spark. Test the ignition coil using a multimeter to check for continuity. If there’s no continuity, the ignition coil needs to be replaced.
6. Starter Solenoid Issues
If the starter solenoid is faulty, it won’t be able to engage the starter motor. Check for continuity across the solenoid using a multimeter. If there’s no continuity, the solenoid needs to be replaced.
Replacing a Faulty Starter Motor
If you’ve diagnosed the starter motor as faulty, you’ll need to replace it. Here are some tips for replacing your lawn mower starter motor:
1. Purchase a Compatible Replacement
Make sure to purchase a starter motor that is compatible with your specific lawn mower model. Refer to your owner’s manual or search online for the correct part number.
2. Disconnect the Battery
Before you begin any work, disconnect the battery cables to prevent accidental electrical shock.
3. Remove the Old Starter Motor
Locate the old starter motor and remove the mounting bolts that secure it to the engine. Disconnect any electrical wires connected to the starter motor.
4. Install the New Starter Motor
Align the new starter motor with the mounting holes on the engine. Install the mounting bolts and tighten them securely. Reconnect the electrical wires to the new starter motor.
5. Reconnect the Battery
Reconnect the battery cables and test the new starter motor by turning the key or pulling the recoil rope.
Conclusion
A faulty lawn mower starter can turn your yard work into a frustrating ordeal. However, by understanding the common symptoms, testing your starter, and troubleshooting potential problems, you can confidently diagnose and repair the issue. With a little bit of knowledge and effort, you can get your mower roaring back to life and back on the cutting edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my lawn mower starter not turning over the engine?
There could be several reasons why your lawn mower starter isn’t turning over the engine. The most common cause is a dead battery. You can check the battery voltage with a multimeter. If it’s below 12 volts, you’ll need to charge or replace the battery. Another possibility is a loose or corroded battery terminal connection. Clean and tighten the connections to ensure a good electrical flow. If the battery is good and the connections are clean, you might have a faulty starter motor or solenoid.
You can test the starter motor by jumping it directly to the battery. If it still doesn’t turn over, you’ll likely need to replace the starter motor or solenoid. Lastly, inspect the starter cable for any breaks or damage. A damaged cable can interrupt the electrical flow and prevent the starter motor from working properly. Replacing the cable can fix the issue.
My lawn mower starter clicks but doesn’t turn over the engine. What’s wrong?
A clicking sound when you try to start the lawn mower but the engine doesn’t turn over usually indicates a problem with the starter motor or solenoid. The clicking noise is the solenoid engaging, but the starter motor isn’t receiving enough power to turn the engine. This could be due to a weak battery or a faulty starter motor.
You can test the battery voltage and jump the starter motor to confirm the issue. If the battery is good and the starter motor doesn’t turn over, you’ll likely need to replace the starter motor or solenoid. Ensure the starter motor and solenoid connections are clean and tight.
How do I know if my lawn mower starter is bad?
You can tell if your lawn mower starter is bad if it makes a clicking sound when you try to start the engine but doesn’t turn over. Another sign is if the starter motor spins freely but doesn’t engage with the flywheel. Additionally, a burnt smell coming from the starter motor could also indicate a problem.
You can test the starter motor by jumping it directly to the battery. If it still doesn’t turn over, the starter motor is likely bad. You can also check the starter motor for signs of damage or wear and tear. A damaged or worn-out starter motor needs to be replaced.
How do I jumpstart my lawn mower starter?
Jumpstarting a lawn mower starter is similar to jumpstarting a car battery. You’ll need jumper cables and a good battery from another vehicle. Connect the positive (red) cable to the positive terminal of the good battery and then to the positive terminal of the lawn mower battery. Next, connect the negative (black) cable to the negative terminal of the good battery and then to a grounded metal part on the lawn mower, such as the frame.
Once the connections are made, start the vehicle with the good battery and then attempt to start the lawn mower. If the lawn mower starts, you’ll need to disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order. Make sure to disconnect the negative cables first and then the positive cables.
What is the solenoid on a lawn mower starter?
The solenoid is a small electrical switch that connects the battery to the starter motor. When you turn the key to start the lawn mower, the solenoid engages and completes the circuit, allowing electricity to flow to the starter motor. A faulty solenoid can prevent the starter motor from receiving power, resulting in a clicking sound but no engine turn-over.
You can test the solenoid by jumping the terminals with a screwdriver. If the starter motor engages, the solenoid is working. However, if the starter motor doesn’t engage, the solenoid is likely bad and needs to be replaced.
How do I troubleshoot my lawn mower starter?
The first step is to check the battery voltage. If the battery is low or dead, you’ll need to charge or replace it. Next, inspect the battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections. Clean and tighten the connections as needed. If the battery and connections are good, you can test the starter motor by jumping it directly to the battery.
If the starter motor still doesn’t turn over, you’ll likely need to replace the starter motor or solenoid. You can also check the starter cable for any breaks or damage. If the cable is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.
How often should I replace my lawn mower starter?
There’s no set time frame for replacing a lawn mower starter. However, if your starter is clicking but not turning over the engine, or if it’s making unusual noises, it’s a good idea to replace it. You should also replace the starter if it’s leaking oil or has signs of corrosion.
With proper care and maintenance, your lawn mower starter should last for many years. However, if you notice any problems with your starter, it’s best to address them as soon as possible to avoid any major issues down the road.