Tractor won't start

[MFL]

Good morning guys,

Quick question before I run the thing up to the local repair shop. I have a Murray Select lawn tractor purchased at Home Depot 6 years ago. Hydro, 46"deck 23 hp. This last season, I started having problems starting it, and now I can't start it at all. At first I thought it was the battery as it was still running on the original that came with the tractor. When depressing the brake/clutch pedal and turning the key, I would get the typical wha,wha,wha before the motor would finally catch. I replaced the battery and it seemed to resolve the problem.

Three weeks ago, I noticed that I had to feather the brake/clutch pedal, moving it in and out until I found the sweet spot and the motor would catch. Last weekend the thing gave up the ghost. No matter what I do, when I turn the key with the brake/clutch pedal depressed, all I get is one 'click' and thats it. The motor doesn't turn at all. The battery is good (I checked it), and I don't see anything visable that might be wrong (loose wiring, etc).

Any suggestions on where I should start? I'm thinking the starter, but I'd like to get a little feedback before I just start replacing things.

Thanks.

 

[Redneck_Randy]

Sound like a bad safety switch on either the clutch/brake or the seat.

 

[Jibber]

yeah, my guess too.. and probably the pedal switch because that's where you've had some success by moving the pedal back and forth. And, in most tractors the seat switch is only activated when the blade is engaged.

Not sure where you would find the switch on that particular tractor but look around. If you have a manual there could be a schematic with the parts list. You could also try online.

I wouldn't recommend circumventing the switch for safety reasons but that might work in the "clutch" so to speak.. to get you running for a mow until you can get a replacement part.

 

[MFL]

Thanks guys, I hadn't thought of that. I'll have some time this afternoon to working on it. I'll let you know if I'm successful.

I appreciate it, thanks again.

 

[rich_ncal]

Recently my tractor would not start. There was corrosion on the battery terminals. I sanded the contact areas on the battery terminals then the tractor started.

Look for other corroded or loose connections.

 

[mwood]

I too would guess it's some form of safety switch. You also might want to check the grounds of all your electrical system. I had very weird problems with many tractors just due to a loose ground wire.

 

[egonegon]

If it clicks as you turn the key it should mean there is power to the starter.

Have you tried jumping from battery to started directly. That should tell you which direction the problem lies in.

Note: safety issues in starting in such a manner.

Egon

 

[63DH8]

If this is a Kohler engine, listen for a click when you have the ignition on, but not at the start. You may want to turn the key, push on the pedal, and push down on the seat. If you don't hear a click, either the fuel solenoid is kaput or the fuse to the fuel solenoid is blown.

 

[MFL]

Thanks to all who replied since I was last able to check the thread! In my initial hunt for the problem I changed out the original battery (4 years old), checked all wiring for loose or damaged wires, and changed the plugs. I haven't had a chance yet to trace back the safety switch, but I'm confident that will do it.

I'll update the thread when I resolve the issue. The worse part of this whole thing is that I really don't need the tractor right now since there is nothing to cut!! My part of GA. hasn't had any rain to speak of in over five weeks. No need to mow the lawn when you're living in a hard-pack desert!!

 

[JoshJ]

This may apply...

Our mower at church would start but not stay running. I found two fuses in the wiring. One was shot. That was for the "running" wiring, not sure what and all it is connected to. Its a quick fix if you find a fuse on your starting circuit and check to see if its any good.