Bought this clean-looking Homelite corded mower with a new blade second-hand. Got it home, plugged it in, and nothing happens (yes, there is juice from my extension cord). Checked the switch: common goes straight through, hot ohms correctly when switch is activated, another green wire seems to be connected to hot also (not green as in ground, though). Going across moter, it ohms with very little resistance (should be correct). There is a component that looks like a big resistor... some kind of voltage step-down? Ideas, anyone, why this won't run?

Did you see it run before you bought it?

I don't care how clean something looks... I would assume its broke and pay accordingly if I bought it taking a chance.

I've seen too many broken... defective or worn out electrical items that looked nice visually.

Big thing is probably a bridge rectifier. Jump 12 VDC directly into the motor. If it runs replace rectifier. They are at Radio Shack and are pretty inexpensive. Didn't test before?

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Originally Posted by ma0641

Big thing is probably a bridge rectifier. Jump 12 VDC directly into the motor. If it runs replace rectifier. They are at Radio Shack and are pretty inexpensive. Didnt test before?

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No, at the auction you can't test prior to bidding. Just the way it is. Thanks for the help, I wasn't sure on the input voltage.

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Originally Posted by Pelusawoman

No, at the auction you can't test prior to bidding. Just the way it is. Thanks for the help, I wasn't sure on the input voltage.

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Look at the motor specs. Many are 12 volt. Newer battery only models are 18 or 25 volt.

Hi,
What you are saying is a resistor is likely a capacitor and could be the trouble.
Always wise to give the model, or in the case of Homelite, the UT number.
Peace,
Clarke

I agree with Crigby.
I wouldn't cross any wire unless I was sure what they go too.
Could be the brushes are wore out.

Thanks, all, for your help. I replaced the switch and the rectifier, and all is well. The motor is like new and there is barely any grass stuck to the bottom, so I think it wasn't used much before something happened, electrically speaking. Anyhow, it's good now.