What did we fry?

gerry100 · Aug 7, 2006

Troy Built 16 Hydro ( built by Bolens I think), about 10-11 years old.

Have had a problem with the clutch for the mower deck reengaing after you turn the deck off, likely the potted circuit module.we've been living with that.

Old battery I've been too busy to replace, so we charge it in the tractor every time we try to start it after it sits for more than 4-5 days.

Yesterday , my wife ( yes it really was her) hooked up the charger backwards ( wrong leads on wrong poles).

When we try to crank it, it sounds like the starter is spinning but not engaging the motor - not sure that's it but that' s what it sounds like.

Tried charging the right way, but she says the sound is the same.

Afraid we did some electrical damage and would like to try to fix it myself.

Guidance appreciated.

geneP · Aug 7, 2006

It doesn't seem reasonabe that charging the battery backwards would harm the starter. Maybe the battery is shot and has just enough voltage to spin the starter but not engage the bendix. I'd start by checking the battery voltage with the starter engaged. If it's not up around 10v or better you'll have to change the battery before going any further.

geneP · Aug 7, 2006

I just had another thought.......I don't know if reversing the charging cables could possibly reverse the polarity of the battery. Some DC motors' direction can be reversed by reversing the polarity. If this is the situation, the bendix won't engage backwards.

gerry100 · Aug 7, 2006

Gene,

Before the reverse charge incident the dead battery acted as you would expect. a click or partial turn with no start.

If your second post is correct I'll replace the battery, overdue anyway and give it a try.

Thanks for the idea.

Fordlords · Aug 7, 2006

The polarity reversal might have destroyed the solenoid or windings that allow the starter gear to move outward and engage to the flywheel. (Called the Bendix or Bendix action.) This electrical component is most often located within the starter motor itself, but is separate from the actual motor windings that spin the starter.

-Fordlords-

gerry100 · Aug 8, 2006

I think we dodged that one.

After hooking the battery up to the charger the right way for a while , I actually got it started.

We'll try a start and run today.

Z71 · Aug 8, 2006

Sounds like you are never really charging the battery to capacity. My neighbor does that, puts the charger on a few hours before he plans to use it, then uses it for a hour and parks it again. Never really charging the battery fully. He complains his battery is always dead every few weeks but sees nothing wrong with his charging methods. He is afraid his garage will burn down if he lets the charger on for too long. Also, he bought the cheapest charger they had at WM.

You need to get a Battery Tender, you can leave them connected all the time, They work automatically to keep battery up.

Fordlords · Aug 9, 2006

I would use a good accurate volt meter to check the tractor's charging system. With the engine running, there should be around 14 volts at the battery and it should get fully charged up running the tractor after a half hour or so. If that is OK, I would buy a new battery rather than risk continuously charging an old one that is not properly holding a charge- those are the ones that tend to explode and cause the fires if unattended.

-Foordlords-

gerry100 · Aug 11, 2006

Well , since we charged the battery in the right direction for a sufficient time the motor turns fine but will not fire. Seems like no spark.

My guess would be that the magneto stopped working?

What is confusing is that it did fire up briefly a few days ago.

The only fuse is good and I cleaned the plug ( which was fouled).

Still no start.

Inputs appreciated.