Riding Lawn Mower won't start. Rural folks with small engine experience please give advice: (gas, well)
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I have a Ariens riding mower with Briggs Stratton 17.5 that was running well but after finished lawn, it won't crank up/restart. What can be wrong??
It started up fine initially, but after I finished lawn then wanted to restart and all it does is slowly crank and only partly turn the flywheel under the hood...maybe 1/2 turn at most before just stopping.
I cleaned the cables (which weren't dirty), fully charged the battery overnight and same problem not starting today.
Clogged air filter.
Spark plug needs changed.
Starter is going.
Battery needs replaced, even if it did charge.
Could even be the mower blades clogged up with grass if they haven’t been cleaned.
I’m sure there’s a few other things but that’s all I canthink of
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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The fact that it only turns a little and stops means something is preventing it from turning fast enough to start. I agree with Norm on the grass clogging the blades and/or shaft, or belts as a likely cause. While running, there was enough power to overcome it, but it's too much for the starter. You would have to drop the deck, or run it up a couple of ramps to check. If you try to tip it gas and/or oil may drip out.
I'm betting on a bad battery, just because it will charge doesn't mean that it has the amperage to start, it could have a bad cell and still read 12 volts.
I don’t think it’s getting clogged under the deck.
Do you often run it or does it sit?
Could you have old fuel or a dirty carburetor?
Do you know how to check your battery?
If you don’t the auto part store will show you.
Do you know the last time the spark plug was replaced?
I would recommend removing the air filter and giving it a squirt of starting fluid.
That should get it going if the battery has any juice.
You might have to give it a few squirts to keep it running if it stalls out but only do that a few times.
If it runs and continues to die when you stop squirting it might be a bad carburetor.
The local shop usually charges me about $120 to put a new carburetor in and give it a check up.
I'm betting on a bad battery, just because it will charge doesn't mean that it has the amperage to start, it could have a bad cell and still read 12 volts.
What he said. I have seen automotive type batteries start an engine, and then 5 minutes later they won't.
Most chain car parts stores will test a battery for free, BTW.
Sounds silly but - Did you check and make sure you had gas?
How old is the battery? I had to replace the one on my Craftsman(MTD) last week it was about 4 years old I tried charging it when it wouldn't start for the spring but even after the charger said it was charged it gave that slow grinding 'I think I can--- No I can't' sound then just click
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