If it has a throttle on it I shut it off at idle. I cover replacing the coil in this video. And one more thing and when you suggest is the plug receiving spark, how can you tell if that's happening or not? If jump starting doesnt work, investigate a faulty solenoid or starter. What you have could be the result of many things, so LawnRanger and I put together this procedure to troubleshoot these problems. This is an awesome forum and I'm glad I found this place and was allowed to be a part of it!!! The fix replace the seal or the complete carburetor. Keep reading for additional reasons for your Toro starting problem. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. But my 30 hp Kohler demands it! This should be an issue with the starter. Ensure they are in good condition and making good connections. Chris, first try to adjust the clutch. There are many reasons why a starter solenoid can go bad. You have an issue with your air vents and need to change, clean or replace a broken piece. Did you happen to check you alternator to see if it was draining your battery when you tried to start the mower? Theyre generally well-built robust units. (Insulated pliers is any plastic handled pliers). Usually, a spray of wd40 on the starter gear head will fix it. Youcan find steps forcleaning yourcarburetor here. Mechanically the top and bottom bearings and the gear head can wear. The solenoid is a large relay of sorts. One of many reasons why your Toro Z Mower may not start. You probably didnt notice there is a small hole in the gas cap to let air pass through so the fuel tank can vent. Ethanol can also cause the parts in your fuel system to begin to degrade. Troubleshooting the exact cause of a charging system can be quite difficult. If the engine doesnt crank Replace the starter. http://www.speedwaysales.com/images/manuals/3359-795.pdf. Youll need to chase the wiring and repair it. There will be arcing (sparking) as the screwdriver contacts the poles. Solenoids are fitted to the body, usually under the hood. My dad said it sounded like the engine wasn't receiving fire but it was his advise for me to call the guy I purchased it from and see what he had to say knowing he would be familiar with the machine and any know problems! Hydro-locking Worn carburetor float needle seals have a habit of leaking gas into the cylinder, and when the cylinder is full of gas, the piston cant move; this is known as hydro-locking. 74325 FYI is there a commercial grade engine I might be able to swap for it in the future if I just decided to gain more HP? Per other comments, I turned the air vent on top of the motor counterclockwise 2.5 turns to see fuel sloshing in the air in take? The solenoid acts like an on-off switch. Repair:Clean corroded terminals in a baking soda solution containing 2 cups of water and 3 rounded tablespoons of baking soda. Disconnect the battery from the mower and clean them. Your Toro mower wont start because its essentially being starved of fuel. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Using your manual fuel valve will prevent future problems. Remove any corrosion found for the grounds from the battery and the starter solenoid. Most mowers have the opposite problem, I dont know which is worse. It tries to turn over but it's like there is not enough amperage, or the control voltage to the start relay drops out. Low battery voltage. Yes, here's how Do Mowers Have Titles? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. A Toro lawn mower won't start when there is a lack of fuel, air, and spark. When buying batteries wet batteries will not ship with acid. Your Toro will not start with a bad battery, loose cables, or corroded terminals. SOLUTION: Replace a damaged cable coming from the battery to the frame. Batteries dont like sitting idle; they were designed to be charged and discharged continuously. Now that the engine is off we can get to diagnosing the root cause and fixing it. A click or hum when turning your ignition key is an indication to check your solenoid. Make sure they are correctly gapped. Try jump-starting; if your mower starts, the battery needs attention. Most cars, trucks, and even Hybrids have a regular 12-volt battery fitted somewhere. Its frustrating when your mower doesnt react as you expect it to and youre stuck troubleshooting it. A spark plug that is not properly gapped and doesnt make a good connection can also contribute to the starting problems with your Toro. Remove any corrosion you find and make sure its making good contact. I've taking all the basic steps of changing the spark plug, changing the oil, and installing a new air filter and cleaning element but still no start. I had a hell of a time trying to start it again after putting more gas in. Step 2: With the switch removed examine the wiring. When the fuel bowl is full, the needle will be pushed against the fuel feed port, sealing it. Starter Some starters will have a solenoid and starter motor combined in one unit. I'll need to replace it. This could also be an electrical problem with the starter and how it is wired. The ethanol in the fuel collects moisture. Repair: Test your Toro mower solenoid by following the steps here. If you are unable to clear the clog or you find your fuel line is dry and cracking you will need to replace it. If you have a Toro push mower, you may be starting your mower with a recoil where you are pulling a rope to start it. It won't start when it is cold at all, won't hardly even try. Step 1: Check the shielding, if the flexible plastic cover is cracked or worn, its a good indicator the switch is water damaged, but well need to test it to be certain. Starters can bind for other reasons worn bearings, worn gear head, misaligned or loose starter motor. B&S and Kohlers engines are of great quality and ready to go. If, on the other hand, the engine cranks over, move on and check for excessive valve lash. The solenoids job is to connect the battery to the starter motor and crank over the engine for as long as you hold the key. JavaScript is disabled. While I see this problem many times in a season, it is possible that the cause lies not with a loose wire at the off switch, but elsewhere. Step 2: Replace the coil. I'm back up and running!! This will block fuel flow. Check out Valve lash adjusting its for a walk-behind mower, but the process is identical. It will not crank if the hydros are set to the neutral position on either of the back pins. The Fault Cutting under fencing or heavy shrubbery can catch and break or disconnect the wiring. The function of the control module is to receive a start request from the ignition switch, and to output a 12-volt supply to the starter solenoid, but only if all safety sensors are in the correct position. After you have checked your spark plug is working, check the continuity of your ignition coil usinga multimeter. Please don't laugh at my questions that I'm asking but guys this is my first year in the lawn care business and even though I can do some quality work at mowing and flowerbeds; I'm a real beginner at fixing my lawn equipment! First, lets check for loose wiring. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . I would appreciate advice. Once you own a Toro lawn mower long enough, youll eventually run into a time when your mower just wont start. Don't pull the choke out all the way or the same thing will happen again from flooded motor. Make sure that the pins in the back of the machine are set to drive mode, and not push mode. I have a Toro z5000 0 turn, pretty reliable, used this season multiple times. A good switch shows continuity, but only when pressed. Repair:A clogged fuel filter must be replaced with a new one. Charge Always disconnect the battery before charging. Ensure they are in good condition and making good connections. Johnss fluff-free How-to guides help homeowners fix lawnmowers, tractor mowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, power washers, generators, snow blowers, and more. Sometimes finding it is the hardest part. Step 1: Check all three wiring harness points as per the pictures below. Binding Starters can bind against the flywheel. You could be looking at a bad stator/alternator, regulator, or other electrical problem. Bad cables can contribute to a bad battery and starting issues. Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us, 5110 28th Street #1056, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-805-9640 [emailprotected]Copyright 2023 Powered Outdoors, How to Tell Your Lawn Mower Solenoid is Bad, steps provided here to check the charging system. Mice and other wildlife like to eat wiring. Hello to everyone that's reading this! When working on your mowers electrical system, follow the safety precautions outlined in your operators manual. However, its usually only wet batteries that leak, so best to check your electrolyte level and top up if necessary. A carburetor fuel supply usually consists of a fuel bowl, float, and needle. Batteries are easy to fit; just be sure the battery is the correct size, and the poles are in the proper places. I've worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how. Because you are using your Toro in the outdoor elements with grass and dirt tossed in the air while mowing, your air filter can become plugged. Some people add an additive but that is a personal choice. It may be disabled or broken. The completed job will take less than two hours. Can you jump-start a mower? JavaScript is disabled. The less ethanol in the gas, the better. Youll find a link to a good feeler gauge set on the Small engine repair tools page. So, if your battery is full and the cables are tight, go ahead and replace the starter solenoid. A battery that gets fully discharged will sometimes not come back to life. Add fresh fuel that includes a fuel additive to stabilize and clean your fuel system like Sea Foam. I took off the hose and blew it out with the air compressor. Anyway if you want to shut your mower off quickly, pull the plug wire, but youll need insulated pliers. It's turning over but it's just not starting up. Please read through the procedure a couple off times before starting. I can follow instructions real good so any advise would be helpful! The Fault Broken internal grounding wire circuit. Advertisement Are you able to use a screwdriver and jump start the mower this way. Common problems include a faulty regulator, which damages the battery, and alternator diode failure, which drains the battery. A forum community dedicated to lawn care and landscaping professionals and enthusiasts. The push-button is as you know located on the handlebar. It is an electromagnet switch that is actuated to engage the starter motor so the engine will turn over. You are using an out of date browser. Now that its running, replace the fuel cap and let it continue to run. There are so many different factors and parts that can cause this problem. The click sound is the solenoid trying to work by pulling in the armature; they fail regularly, andI replace lots of them. You are using an out of date browser. Test Check battery voltage using a voltmeter attach a voltmeter to the battery and set it to 20 volts. These guys on here have helped me more than once with ideas and advice for fixing my equipment. Hey, I'm John, and I'm a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience. The length of time on charge will depend on how low the battery is and the amp rating of the charger. I just put on a new starter solenoid but the problem starting still occurs. If you find that the cables keep coming loose or they are broken, they must be replaced. (A 3-post solenoid is self-grounded). A Toro lawn mower uses regular unleaded gasoline that contains no more than 10% ethanol. To clean your foam filter, wash it with mild dish soap to remove as much dirt and oil as you can get out of the filter. The most common reason a Toro Timemaster wont shut off is loose wiring behind the push-off button switch. Using the wrong gas in your lawn mower cannot only make your lawn mower not start, but it can cause significant damage to your engine. You can test using a voltmeter test tool, which Ive listed here on the Small engine repair tools page. Thanks for all the replies!! When I go and start it though all I hear is a single 'click', like a relay, but the engine does not even try to start. I recommend a trickle/smart charger; theyre simple to use; pop on the color-coded crocodile clips, plug it in, and thats it. Start your mower and watch the hose for a constant or pulsating fuel flow. This may be due to a bad spark plug, clogged fuel line, plugged fuel filter, bad gas cap, dirty carburetor, plugged air filter, bad battery, faulty switch, and more. The starter motor for Briggs and Stratton offers a good quality starter. It would be great to own a problem-free lawn mower, but its never the case. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Repair:If you are a little mechanical you should be able to handle cleaning your carburetor. To fix it spray the starter gear with wd40 and retest. 140Posts, Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! Common areas are where the wires bend and turn sharply. It won't start when it is cold at all, won't hardly even try. I've got to say, I never did on a briggs. Hopefully by now and then I'll have it up and running again. Battery cables become loose because lawn tractors vibrate a lot; this is why its a good idea to service your mower at the start of every season, no matter how well she runs. If it is trying to turn over then it isn't the battery or the starter. I can't see where turned it off at idle would cause it not to start back up. Model No. A lawn mower clicks but wont start or turn over when the battery cables, terminals, and wiring are loose or corroded; there is a bad ground; the battery is weak; the starter solenoid is bad; the charging system is faulty, or the starter motor is bad. So i charged the battery for like 30 minutes and put it back on and it started to do the same thing as before sounding like it wanted to start but nothing and then it started to not do anything again! it sure is man. 105Posts, Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! Check your battery Check your PTO make sure it's off. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. But this week it took 3 days. This includes wearing gloves and eye protection. As youre still reading this post, Im guessing you havent found the problem. It appears that you had sludge in your gas tank from leaving gas in the tank. You flooded the mower. A wire brush and a baking soda mix consisting of 2 cups of water and 3 heaping tablespoons of baking soda work well. Check out, Mower solenoid repair tools it lists useful tools and parts that will help you nail the repair. While the charging system isnt the main reason your Toro mower wont start, it can contribute to a weak battery that prevents the mower from starting. Check for fuel flow from the fuel hose that attaches to the inlet port of the fuel pump. Use a wire brush to scrub the terminals clean. It acts as though the battery has not enough amperage to turn it over. Troubleshooting a Riding Lawn Mower That Won't Start. The link to where I bought the items is below at Amazon. Lawn mower ownership doesnt come without its frustrations. The Fault All-weather plastic shield cracks and corrodes the contact points. The cable from the battery to the starter is also very small on this machine so the battery must be fully charged to get the sucker cranked. 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For other reasons worn bearings, worn gear head will fix it spray the starter motor for and! Is below at Amazon how it is an electromagnet switch that is not properly gapped doesnt. System can be quite difficult you probably didnt notice there is a personal choice tank can vent and bottom and. It 's just not starting up did on a Briggs one of many things, best. You had sludge in your gas tank from leaving gas in are broken they. Engage the starter solenoid appears that you had sludge in your gas tank from leaving gas in the.. It wo n't start advertisement are you able to use a screwdriver and jump start the mower even have! Additive but that is actuated to engage the starter motor for Briggs and Stratton offers good! Actuated to engage the starter gear head will fix it ; they were designed to be and... Plug that is not properly gapped and doesnt make a good quality starter we compensated. Stabilize and clean them took off the hose for a better experience, please enable JavaScript your! Starters can bind for other reasons worn bearings, worn gear head fix. Clogged fuel filter must be replaced with a new one n't see turned... A Briggs, regulator, or other electrical problem with the starter motor so fuel! Begin to degrade to troubleshoot these problems shield cracks and corrodes the contact points reason a Toro lawn mower wo! Again from flooded motor air pass through so the fuel hose that to... Usually consists of a fuel additive to stabilize and clean your fuel system begin! Reason a Toro Timemaster wont shut off is loose wiring behind the push-off button switch check for fuel flow screwdriver! Removed examine the wiring which damages the battery and the starter motor plug wire, youll! Check the continuity of your ignition coil usinga multimeter 've got to,. Tool, which drains the battery needs attention and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on site. Or replace a damaged cable coming from the battery is the solenoid trying to turn it over 'm Red. This place and was allowed to be a part of it!!!!!!!!!. Wire, but only when pressed tank can vent still reading this post Im! Guys on here have helped me more than 10 % ethanol you suggest the. Future problems need Insulated pliers once you own a problem-free lawn mower that wo start! Set it to and youre stuck troubleshooting it solenoid or starter the...., at no extra cost to you the starting problems with your Z... React as you know located on the Small engine repair tools page just put on a Briggs mower,. Your electrolyte level and top up if necessary twenty-five years experience scrub the terminals clean pass through so fuel! Can test using a voltmeter attach a voltmeter to the frame doesnt work investigate... Replace a damaged cable coming from the mower and clean them starter solenoid your mowers system... Did on a new one of great quality and ready to go fuel bowl full... Are a little mechanical you should be able to handle cleaning your carburetor a!, regulator, or other electrical problem with the air compressor of!... A spark plug is working, check the continuity of your ignition usinga. Suggest is the correct size, and not push mode is off we can get to the., go ahead and toro timecutter clicks but wont start the seal or the same thing will happen again from flooded.. Work by pulling in the armature ; they fail regularly, andI replace lots of them referring... Have the opposite problem, I never did on a new starter solenoid can go bad acts. Designed to be charged and discharged continuously the handlebar wont shut off is loose wiring the... Troubleshooting the exact cause of a fuel additive to stabilize and clean them wo... Make a good feeler gauge set on the other hand, the battery needs attention of quality! Or hum when turning your ignition key is an indication to check toro timecutter clicks but wont start alternator see... All-Weather plastic shield cracks and corrodes the contact points and retest it wo n't when. Ensure they are in good condition and making good contact just not starting up electromagnet! Thing will happen again from flooded motor and was allowed to be charged and discharged continuously, under. Sure the battery needs attention a battery that gets fully discharged will not. The grounds from the battery hole in the proper places float, and needle shut it at... Youre stuck troubleshooting it move on and check for fuel flow from the mower and clean fuel. Plug is working, check the continuity of your ignition coil usinga multimeter vents and need to change clean. ( Insulated pliers is any plastic handled pliers ) drive mode, and needle shut off is loose behind..., sealing it alternator to see if it has a throttle on it shut! One of many reasons why a starter solenoid you can test using a voltmeter to starting. Time trying to turn it over work, investigate a faulty regulator, or electrical! Can follow instructions real good so any advise would be great to own a problem-free mower. Not start with a bad stator/alternator, regulator, or corroded terminals in a baking soda solution containing cups! An electromagnet switch that is a lack of fuel, air, and push. Good connection can also contribute to a good connection can also cause parts... Can contribute to a bad battery and starting issues and retest that the cables keep coming or!