I installed a new starter on my old Simplicity Lawn 4108 Tractor. The starter was spinning but not engaging the flywheel. The new one does the same thing. I saw a small box bolted onto the engine (enclosed, about 1.5" by 1.5" by about an inch deep) with 2 wires coming out of it and joining the heavier wire that goes to the starter and connecting about 2 inches away. The box and the wire were getting hot when I was trying to start the mower. Is this a solenoid. Is this what I need to replace? Thank you.

Have you tried to remove the starter and test it off the unit? Did you check the flywheel to make sure it isn't smooth?

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Originally Posted by califdadof3

Have you tried to remove the starter and test it off of the unit? Did you check the flywheel to make sure it isnt smooth?

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The flywheel is fine, teeth are good. Both the old and new start spin when I supply power to them (batt. Charger) but the gear to engage the flywheel stays in place and doesn't travel upward on the shaft. Thanks.

Exchange the starter. It should have spun out so it can mesh with the flywheel.

Hi,
Sounds as if the battery is connected backwards. Does the described every time!
Peace,
Clarke

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Originally Posted by crigby

Hi,
Sounds as if the battery is connected backwards. Does the described every time!
Peace,
Clarke

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Yes it does do it all the time. I checked the battery but it's connected correctly. That did however lead me to notice that there's s solenoid right there in the battery compartment. If the starter is spining the solenoid is OK, right? The battery is bad but when I put the 200 amp charger on it there's plenty of current to the starter. I guess I'm down exchanging the starter as has been suggested; 2 starters that do the same thing-what a coincidence, eh. Thanks for your input.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by crigby

Hi,
Sounds as if the battery is connected backwards. Does the described every time!
Peace,
Clarke

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Correction, I checked again and noticed that the red cable from the battery goes to ground. I guess that can happen when you've bought an old mower. Thank you and all who took the time to respond to my questions, I appeciate it.