old mtd riding mower electric starter sticks
#1
04-12-06, 04:04 PM
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Gouverneur
Posts: 253
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
old mtd riding mower electric starter sticks
I just bought a 1984 mtd riding mower. It starts and mows great.
I only have one problem. Occasionally the electric starter sticks which means when I turn the key and don't let it start and then turn the key off, the starter keeps spinning. The only way to make it stop is to disconnect the battery.
Could it be a bad key switch?
The engine in this mower looks newer than the original engine.
Other than this, the mower runs excellent for being over 20 years old.
I only have one problem. Occasionally the electric starter sticks which means when I turn the key and don't let it start and then turn the key off, the starter keeps spinning. The only way to make it stop is to disconnect the battery.
Could it be a bad key switch?
The engine in this mower looks newer than the original engine.
Other than this, the mower runs excellent for being over 20 years old.
#2
04-12-06, 07:27 PM
Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 716
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Have about the same vintage in a murray... still has the original 8hp briggs!, 1980... needs a new transaxle but the other day I was charging the battery in it (gets used once a month to every other) then went to start it and did the exact same thing, little tapping on the key switch and wiggling of the connector and back and fourth with the key, it stopped...
A new key switch is something to try, not expensive either.
A new key switch is something to try, not expensive either.
#3
04-12-06, 10:29 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
It could be the keyswitch, but I think every time I have had this happen, it was because of a sticking starter solenoid.
#5
04-13-06, 11:29 AM
Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 716
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
The solenoid has a cable from the plus side of the battery to one post on it, and another cable on the other post to the starter, the negative should just be grounded to the frame. I do agree, it could be a sticky solenoid. The starter solenoid cuts on and off power between the cable when you turn on and off the key.
#6
04-13-06, 03:11 PM
It's always nice to determine the exact cause of electrical trouble but the two items in question which could be the cause cost very little to replace. The solenoid - about $12 and the ignition switch - about $10. It is, however, difficult to determine which is to blame because it likely will not show up on a bench test...replace both. Post back with you chassis' ID numbers and i'll provide the part numbers you need and you can get them from your local independent MTD dealer.
#7
04-14-06, 10:16 AM
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Gouverneur
Posts: 253
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Hi,
under the seat of my mower there is a sticker that says LOT/MODEL and under that is this number: 137-642-135/3z459. underneath that number is this number: E1B7C.
I hope this helps.
under the seat of my mower there is a sticker that says LOT/MODEL and under that is this number: 137-642-135/3z459. underneath that number is this number: E1B7C.
I hope this helps.
Last edited by msidan; 04-15-06 at 06:02 AM.
