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wsmith5 · Oct 31, 2007, 07:30 AM

HI all , I have craftsman lawn tractor (model 502255192) I put a new battery in it last month and it ran fine,but now when I turn the key all I get is a single click when I turn the key to the right and a single click when I turn the key off.I tried jumping the battery with a charger but this did nothing .any advice appreciated... Wayne

CaptainRich · Oct 31, 2007, 07:39 AM

Wayne, check the connection at the starter. Look to see if it's become corroded or perhaps vibrated loose. Check all connection for being tight and clean.

ballengerb1 · Oct 31, 2007, 08:18 AM

If Rich's suggestion doesn't work try a look at the starter bendix. The bendix may have engaged the flywheel the last time you started the engine but never disenagaged.

CaptainRich · Oct 31, 2007, 08:20 AM

If it did get jammed, rocking it aggressively front to back repeatedly while in gear may free it up.

wsmith5 · Oct 31, 2007, 10:39 AM

HI , I tried looking at the stater and the red wire(only wire ) going to it is clean no rust and secure battery cables clean and secure.I tried tapping lightly with a hammer on the solenoid but still no results... sorry what's the Bendix?

ballengerb1 · Oct 31, 2007, 10:46 AM

Do not go tapping on that solenoid with a hammer. The bendix is a gear on the end of the starter shaft. It spins and also slides down a candy cane shaft so it rams into the flywheel as it spins. The bendix gear is often a softer material( sacrificial) so it goes bad before the flywheel. The gear can sometimes get stuck into the flywheel. CaptainRich made a good comment about rocking the tractor backword and forward, while in gear, to break this loose. That does it 90% of the time.

wsmith5 · Oct 31, 2007, 01:10 PM

OK I'll try the rocking in gear fix and report on that.thx... Wayne

ballengerb1 · Oct 31, 2007, 02:02 PM

If this rocking doesn't help you may want to verify a full 12vdc reaching the starter. You'll probably need a buddy but put your meter on the leads to the starter while your bud turns the key. You should get 12vdc, if not let us know and put that hammer away.

MOWERMAN2468 · Oct 31, 2007, 03:57 PM

Most definitely, the hammer is reserved for when all else fails. Ha, just kiddin.

wsmith5 · Nov 1, 2007, 11:30 AM

Hi guys thanks for the help!. rocking the mower didn't do anything but grabing the pully that's attached directly to the motor shaft and turning that freed up something that allows it to st:) art.. Hurrah!. dang and I really wanted to use that hammer...

ballengerb1 · Nov 1, 2007, 01:46 PM

You may get your wish. Once a bendix sticks it is likely to stick again, soon. Start ordering the parts to rebuild the bendix, you can use your hammer on the old gear.

ballengerb1 · Nov 2, 2007, 04:34 PM

Thanks for the compliment, come back if you need help with the install.