Husqvarna mower switch delayed start

I have a situation on my Husqvarna YTH150 rider that confuses me. It has a push/pull switch for the mower start and a couple weeks ago, to my dismay, I pulled the button to engage the mower and .....nothing.
Sitting thinking what to do, it engaged after a few seconds. Yesterday, same thing however I had to play with the switch a few times for it to engage, and then I couldnt stop for fear it wouldnt start again.

The part that confuses me is the extended delay. If it just plain didnt work I could address that, but it seems a electrical issue would be definitive (either it works or not)

What would cause this symptom?

 

It sounds like you are talking about an electric PTO that engages the blades for the mowing deck...???

If so, I would check the wiring beginning at the clutch itself. I find these wires get worn and eventually break but when hanging on by one or a few strands of wire, they will have a delay, or be intermittent until the wire finally gives completely.

 

Exactly BFHFixit.

That sounds more reasonable than the switch acting up. I will pull the deck tomorrow and take a look.
Thanks for your help.

 

You should be able to get to it with the deck in place. The clutch is on the bottom of the engine crank, and a plug with two wires...(white n black..?) should be easy to reach with the deck in place.

Also you should be able to check it with the mower off, and the key in the on position. If you pull the switch you should here the clutch "click" on/off.

 

Got it. I ran out to take a look and the 2 wire harness is an easy disconnect. When I lifted it to see better, water ran out of the sheathing. No obvious breaks or cracks at the connectors but a pretty
good clue

Great tip on checking the switch. I really appreciate that.

 

It could be wiring related, but I just wanted to add that the pto switches do sometimes fail in this manner and progress to the point that they eventually don't work at all. I cut a switch open once to see how it's made, and the thin metal contacts that make the connection get warm and lose their temper or springy-ness and get to where they make a loose connection.

Also, if the clutch bearings are going bad, the clearance between the clutch plates can become excessive and cause delayed engagement.

 

Cheese, you are a person after my own heart

You mention the thin metal contacts inside the switch.
One thing that I didnt mention is that, due to a major remodel, the mower was forced outside. Unfortunately we have had several heavy thunderstorms recently that it has been forced to endure.
Considering the slight upward angle of the switch shaft, I wouldnt be surpised if water entered the switch body, which I cant imagine is a good thing.

Seems like the smartest approach now would be to use the suggested 'Key on, Switch On' approach and track the voltage present with a multi meter ?

Thanks for the help.