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AlexB · Sep 11, 2007, 01:17 PM

Have a 5 year old 17HP 42" Murray rider. This is the year of problems - I've only been able to completely mow my yard once this year. The rest of the time, the mower either wouldn't start or died before I finished.

So far, I have replaced the battery, solenoid, ignition switch, spark plugs, choke cable (it broke because the only way I could keep the mower running was to have it completely choked) and rebuilt the carb and fuel pump. (fixed the engine running problem though :) )

Still having starting problems. When last weekend, almost finished mowing - stopped to move some stuff - got back on and when I turn the ignition - click and a high-pitched whine - (not like a starter spinning sound). That's it. And it won't start since.

This problem has been bugging me all summer. That's why all the above electrical components have been replaced. I have also taken the wires off the battery, solenoid, etc and wire brushed them to clean them. Last time (two weeks ago) this happened, I swapped out the solenoid with the old one and nothing happened. Then I swapped back in the new one and it started fine. Ran for two weekends and now nothing. Since then, I have taken all the solenoid wires off again, brushed them and replaced them and replaced the starter switch. Still click and nothing. :confused:

Any ideas? The sale that Home depot is having on their cub cadets is looking real good right now.

AlexB · Sep 11, 2007, 01:42 PM

Additional info I remembered.

New battery checks out 12.6v. And I get 12.6 at battery side of solenoid.

When I jumped across the solenoid with a piece of wire - I got a big fat spark - but did not turn over.

Is is just me or are there an inordinate number of broken-down Murray questions...

MOWERMAN2468 · Sep 11, 2007, 05:45 PM

Yes, there are a lot of murray questions, but you learn that that is just murray. As far as the high pitched whine in the starter area is the problem of the bendix gear, a neoprene type of plastic gear that engages with the ring gear. Check that on the starter, it is the gear on top of the starter.

AlexB · Sep 12, 2007, 04:42 PM

Mowerman -

Thanks for the info. I probably won't get a chance till this weekend to look at the gear.

Would this problem also cause the starter not to engage at all - just a click when I turn the key?

linxinx · Sep 12, 2007, 05:11 PM

Alex that's what the bendix does it helps the starter gear to engage with the flywheel.

MOWERMAN2468 · Sep 12, 2007, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by AlexB

Mowerman -

Thanks for the info. I probably won't get a chance till this weekend to look at the gear.

Would this problem also cause the starter not to engage at all - just a click when I turn the key?

The click could be the solenoid going bad.

AlexB · Sep 12, 2007, 06:54 PM

Already replaced the solenoid. And then when that wasn't the problem - put the old one back on. And now I have the new one on. :rolleyes: Doesn't matter - no difference - both click and no start.

MOWERMAN2468 · Sep 12, 2007, 07:32 PM

Check the starter itself by removing the dust shroud on the side of the engine. If the bendix gear is stuck in the up position, rotate the engine counterclockwise by hand and lube the shaft of the starter to allow the bendix gear to move freely. Then let me know where we are.

AlexB · Sep 13, 2007, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by MOWERMAN2468

check the starter itself by removing the dust shroud on the side of the engine. if the bendix gear is stuck in the up position, rotate the engine counterclockwise by hand and lube the shaft of the starter to allow the bendix gear to move freely. then let me know where we are.

OK, thanks.

Will get to it this weekend and let you know what I find out.

MOWERMAN2468 · Sep 13, 2007, 11:29 AM

I'll be around sometime this weekend on the net to try and help you if I can.

AlexB · Jan 4, 2008, 02:10 PM

Finally got around last weekend to working on the mower again.

Replaced the starter. The starter gear was pretty much sheared off. Took forever - because I had trouble removing the flywheel to get to the starter bolts. Finally got it off by putting a puller on it and whacking the puller - it finally popped off.

Cleaned everything, reassembled it, and cranked it.

Nothing.

It turns over nicely now - cranks all day. But never fires up. A very small amount of wispy whitish smoke? Or vapor? Came out of the exhaust while I was cranking. It was dark so I will continue this weekend. Will pull spark plug (new) and test for spark. What else should I do? Get a 12 gauge and put it out of it's misery?

MOWERMAN2468 · Jan 8, 2008, 07:08 AM

I am afraid you have sheared your flywheel key. Remove the bolt, or nut from the topside of the flywheel and visually inspect the flywheel key.

AlexB · Feb 2, 2008, 07:50 PM

Well, the world's slowest rider repair job continues...

Pulled the flywheel back off. Key is fine. So I will reassemble. Btw, what torque should I crank it down to?

For my next trick, I read a post where the person was told to disconnect the small wire on side of coil to check for short in kill wire. After I try this is there any thing else I should check?

Maybe the Sunday paper for a sale on a new rider?