JD Z920 starter issues

MikeA57 · Apr 2, 2020

I have a 2010 JDZ920A0 turn and I am sitting here at my work bench testing the 2nd starter that I have put in it since I've owned it. It's bad. (Applying power to the starter via the ignition terminal, the bendix jumps up but doesn't spin.)
I bought this mower used in 2013 so I've had it about 7 years now. In that time though I've had to replace the starter 2 times and once again the starter is bad and it looks like I'm going to have to replace it a 3rd time now.
What might be causing this? Are these Kawasaki engines that hard on starters or what?

Roadworthy · Apr 2, 2020

Have you considered taking the starter to a regular automotive starter repair shop? If you have one anywhere nearby they may be able to answer your questions.

MikeA57 · Apr 12, 2020

I did take it. It worked fine. Put it back in and "CLICK". And that's it. I'm thinking it might be one of the safety switches. Tried the seat sensor and that wasn't it. Gotta check the the others still.
Beyond that, stumped...

Richard001 · Apr 13, 2020

Sounds like a battery issue or a battery cable issue. Make sure that the battery cables are clean and clamped good to the battery terminals.

Remove the cables and clean the battery post and cable terminals. Also check the negative cable to where it connects to the chassis.

How old is your battery? That could be a problem.

Richard

Maxify55 · Apr 26, 2020

Wanna bet what you have is a classic case of valve lash adjustment being too great?
If you have OHVs and you keep going through starters, what you ahve is a case of mis or mal-adjusted valves.
Check your owners manual for the correct exhaust and intake gaps.
Calibrate and your starter issues will disappear.