Sears 917.258553 w/15 HP Kohler electrical problem

[mitchelli]

OK, I am rebuilding old lawn tractor neighbor gave me. If I turn the key, the solenoid on the carburetor clicks and the solenoid clicks but the starter does nothing and the ammeter goes about 1/2 way down from the normal midpoint. If I jump the starter, it works. The harness to the ignition has one fried wire that looks like it was fixed once...the wire is the red one that goes to the ammeter. I found a wire harness, solenoid, and ignition for about $100 from Sears(cheapest price on internet)....yes, I was amazed too! I am not really a small engine guy, but I am learning fast. Any suggestions before I start replacing parts??? Thanks guys. scott

 

[jhwentworth]

Do you have a multimeter or DVM?
If so, before you try the starter measure the voltage at the solenoid on the connector that goes to the battery. There should be 12V there all the time. If not, check the cable to the battery.

If the voltage is there, measure the voltage at the starter when the key is turned to "start". The key applies 12V to the solenoid, the solenoid closes, and the 12V direct from the battery to one contact of the solonoid is connected to the the contact that connects directly to the starter.

If the solenoid is closing and there's no 12V to the starter check right at the solenoid. It's either the solenoid or the wire to the starter.

 

[Ken Cunningham]

If you are jumping the two large lugs on the solenoid and it starts then the wiring is fine there. If it is in fact getting 12v from the key switch when it is in the start position, then 2 things could be wrong. Either the ground wire from the other small lug is bad, (or a safety switch is stopping it from going to ground) you will not get a click at the solenoid if this is the case. The other thing could be that the solenoid has just seen its better days and the plunger is either getting stuck for the contact plate is corroded, which means you need a new one.