Hi there!
I'm really stuck here...
After I boosted my 2006 42in B&S Craftsman last week I let it run to warm the oil. Then changed the oil and oil filter. Getting it ready for this 2012 season.

Fuel filter was changed last year. I keep this tractor pretty clean.. it is a good unit!

I boosted it again to start it last Sunday and took it to a local property to mow the lawns. All went well until I got home with the tractor on the back of my truck and the tractor would not start, so I pulled it off the truck and pushed it into my garage.

I had a new solenoid in the garage so I put it on figuring it would not do any harm..

When I turned the key, the motor still would not start, even with a charger put on it.

I took the hood off and turned the key and heard a 'click' from the base of the carburetor bowl... I believe it is the fuel solenoid... it is a small brass fitting at the base of the carburetor.

I removed the white/grey wire that fits into this ('fuel solenoid'?) and turned the ignition key and there was no click anymore..

However when I cross the poles on the top solenoid with a screw driver, the motor will start and run (with a boost).

Could you please give me any information as to what I'm looking at here?

I've got lawns to mow and really need this little tractor to work! :(

Thank you for any help you can give me!

Mike

By boost do you mean you are jumping it from another battery?

Hi,
Plug your wire back to the fuel shutoff solenoid(correct in your estimation) and replace the key switch(my best guess.)
Peace,
Clarke

By boost do you mean you are jumping it from another battery?

Hi Ballengerb 1,
Yes, boosting from another battery... that is the only way it will start andif I cross the poles on the solenoid..

Mike

Hi,
Plug your wire back to the fuel shutoff solenoid(correct in your estimation) and replace the key switch(my best guess.)
Peace,
Clarke

Hi Crigby,

Thank you for responding to this...

Do you mean I should replace the whole ignition key switch assembly?

Maybe a new battery? I don't know...

Thanks again,
Mike

What happens if you charge your battery for 3 hours and then try to start? When you jumper/boost do you go battery terminal to battery terminal or are you connecting the extra battery elsewhere?

What happens if you charge your battery for 3 hours and then try to start? When you jumper/boost do you go battery terminal to battery terminal or are you connecting the extra battery elsewhere?

Hi,

After charging it for 3 or more hours it still doesn't start, just the little click sound.

I also boosted it from a running 12v auto motor battery... jumper cables to both posts on tractor battery and still no sound... except for the same little 'click' at the fuel (carb) solenoid.

Hi,

After charging it for 3 or more hours it still doesn't start, just the little click sound.

I also boosted it from a running 12v auto motor battery... jumper cables to both posts on tractor battery and still no sound.... except for the same little 'click' at the fuel (carb) solenoid.


28 April 2012
Ok... after all this... I took it to a small engine specialist about 15 miles away and he sat in the seat and voilà!

The motor turned over! What the... and it turned over again... and again..
So the old battery was weak.. and it looks like it's the starter after all. But it starts now.. the starter is weak.

Thank you to ALL of you for helping me, it gave me support and I really appreciate it!

I need this little mower to help me pay the bills...


Regards,
Mike

Do you mean you forgot to sit on the seat or did he just have the magic behind?