Murray Riding Mower - Does not start. How to test the Starter Solenoid?
The Mower is a Murray w/Briggs Engine; Model: 405000X8A.
Does anyone know how one is to test; hence, sort out if the Starter Solenoid works?
Assuming that we ground the solenoid to the Battery (-) w/ Jumper cable/s after removal from the Chassis, bypassing the Safety switches by direct connection of Ground. Then a quick tap to the Positive (+) terminal of the Solenoid, we should hear the Switch (solenoid) 'kick-over' and that would turn the Starter Motor. Does that sound feasible and correct, or have I missed something?
I, too, have the same problem with the Starter. It seemed fine before when I used the Mower a month ago. Then suddenly, the starter, stopped turning-over the engine to make it run. At first I thought it might be the Battery, so I had it tested and (re)-charged at the Local O'Reilley's Auto.
I did do the same type of test with a Direct Connection from Battery to the Negative Battery Cable via Jumper Cable (Black [-]) & and then the Jumper Cable Red (+) direct tap-n-hold to the Starter Positive Terminal. The Starter cranks. So, I know the starter works.
This leaves me with two possible issues: 1) Starter Solenoid (found mounted to Mower frame and I removed it to test/replace), and; 2) one of the Safety switches.
Told by my local Lawn mower repair shop that there are, "Three safety switches". They are: a) Under the seat (pressure), b) for the clutch/brake, and c) the blade engage bar/arm.
I found the one under the seat and tested it. It's fine. I neither looked for nor found the other two (yet). But, I did not have to have the Brake/Clutch depressed -or- have the Blade Engage bar/arm engaged, when I have started the mower previously.
As well, I have left the Blade Engage bar/arm engaged accidentally and turned off the Ignition switch of the mower. Only going back to try and start the mower did I find out, there is a safety switch located somewhere there 'under the hood'. I am confident that the other two Safety Switches are fine. Yet, I will chase them down and test them to verify. Meaning, if the Engage Arm/Bar is not engaged, there is no reason for it to Default-OFF the Solenoid and hence, the Ignition switch.
One other unlikely issue would be the key Ignition switch itself. I can test that with a simple Ohm-meter to verify the connections work in each position. As well, I noticed that the Ignition switch has a position for the Headlights. As you probably know the Ignition switch has a position for "Lights". And just turning the Key to that position, the Headlights are supposed to be 'on'. But while the mower did this previously, it does not now. That's why I thought the issue originally was the Battery. Twice I thought it was the battery, actually, due to this.
So, back to the original point/question: how do I test the Starter Solenoid? And am I doing that correctly? Please let me know. I don't want to buy the new solenoid for 15 bux unless I know it's busted. The Owner of the new solenoid would not test it for me! And there are no returns on Electrical parts, which I completely understand. He's not in business to let people use his parts to just keep testing their mower until they find the right one. Yet, one might think he would want to sell me a Solenoid? And assist in the testing. But, he probably wants me to bring the mower in so he can test it and get paid a Labor Fee. I cannot fault him for trying to make a buck, but I would like someone at this forum to please assist in his stead. Danke.
I don't mind paying the $15.-- for the Solenoid. It's just the guy is being sort of -not-helpful-. So, I make my query here. Thanks for any assistance/tips anyone could offer please.
Kind regards,
-Phil H
