Are you having trouble getting your lawn mower started? It could be a sign that the starter is bad.
To help you diagnose the issue and fix it, this guide will provide easy steps to follow to tell if the lawn mower starter is bad, as well as how to replace it.
We’ll cover topics like what the lawn mower starter is, visible signs of damage, listening for a clicking sound, making sure the starter is receiving power, and what to look for when replacing the starter.
Let’s get started!
Short Answer
To tell if a lawn mower starter is bad, start by attempting to start the mower and listening for any unusual sounds like grinding or clicking.
If the mower does not start, check the spark plug to see if it is corroded or damaged.
If the spark plug looks fine, then the starter may be the issue.
You can also try removing the starter and testing it with a multimeter to see if it is producing the necessary current.
What is a Lawn Mower Starter?
A lawn mower starter is a crucial component of the mowers engine.
It is responsible for engaging the flywheel and cranking the engine so that it can begin the combustion process and start working.
Lawn mower starters come in a variety of forms, depending on the type of engine they are used with.
Most commonly, they are electric starters, which use a battery to provide power to a starter motor, which in turn engages the flywheel.
Other types of starters include recoil starters, which use a pull-cord to manually engage the flywheel, and starter generators, which use an electric motor to provide power to the engine.
Regardless of the type of starter, it is important to know how to tell if a lawn mower starter is bad, so that it can be replaced before it causes any serious damage to the engine.
Visible Signs of Damage
When it comes to diagnosing a bad lawn mower starter, one of the first steps you should take is to inspect the starter for visible signs of damage.
This can include anything from cracks and dents in the starter casing, to corrosion or rust on the exterior.
Additionally, you should check for any loose connections or wires that may have come loose.
If any of these signs are present, then it is likely that the starter is bad and needs to be replaced.
It is also important to check the starter for any signs of oil or fuel leakage.
If you notice any signs of leaking oil or fuel, this can indicate that the starter has become damaged and needs to be replaced.
Additionally, you should inspect the shaft of the starter for any signs of wear or damage.
This can be caused by excessive use or age and can indicate that the starter is bad and needs to be replaced.
Finally, you should check the starter for any signs of heat damage.
This can include discoloration or warping of the starter casing.
If any of these signs are present, then it is likely that the starter is bad and needs to be replaced.
In summary, when diagnosing a bad lawn mower starter, you should inspect the starter for visible signs of damage such as cracks and dents in the casing, corrosion, rust, loose connections, or wires.
Additionally, you should check for any signs of oil or fuel leakage, wear or damage on the shaft, and heat damage.
If any of these signs are present, then it is likely that the starter is bad and needs to be replaced.
Listen for a Clicking Sound
When attempting to start your lawn mower, its a good idea to listen for a clicking sound.
This sound can indicate that the starter motor is trying to engage, but is unable to do so.
This usually happens when the starter solenoid is not working correctly, or the starter motor itself has gone bad.
If you hear a clicking sound when attempting to start your lawn mower, its likely that your lawn mower starter is bad and needs to be replaced.
In some cases, the clicking sound is caused by a bad battery or a loose connection.
This is because the starter motor needs the battery to provide the necessary power to engage.
If the battery is weak or the connection is loose, the starter motor will be unable to engage and you will hear a clicking sound as a result.
If this is the case, check the battery and connections to see if they are working correctly.
If not, replace them to see if that solves the problem.
Another possible cause of the clicking sound is a bad starter motor.
If the motor itself has gone bad, it will be unable to engage and you will hear a clicking sound when attempting to start the mower.
If this is the case, the starter motor will need to be replaced in order to get the lawn mower running again.
So, if youre having trouble starting your lawn mower and you hear a clicking sound when attempting to start it, its likely that your lawn mower starter is bad and needs to be replaced.
Make Sure the Starter is Receiving Power
When trying to determine if your lawn mower starter is bad, it is important to make sure the starter is receiving power.
This can be done by checking the power source and connections, as these can sometimes become loose or disconnected.
If the power source is plugged in and securely connected to the starter, you will want to check the battery voltage and make sure it is in the recommended range for your mower.
If the battery is low, it could be causing the mower to not start, and the starter may still be functioning properly.
You can also check the starter solenoid, which is the device that connects the battery to the starter.
If the solenoid is not functioning properly, it could be preventing the starter from receiving power.
To test the solenoid, you can use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the solenoid terminals.
If the voltage is below the recommended level, the solenoid will need to be replaced.
Finally, you can check the fuse for the starter.
A blown fuse can prevent the starter from receiving power, and the fuse should be replaced if it is found to be faulty.
By checking the power source, battery voltage, starter solenoid, and fuse for the starter, you can determine if the lawn mower starter is receiving power.
If all of these components are functioning correctly and the starter is still not receiving power, it is likely that the starter is bad and needs to be replaced.
The Starter Must Be Removed to Be Replaced
Once you have identified that your lawn mower starter is bad, the next step is to remove it and replace it with a new one.
This process will involve removing the existing starter and disconnecting the electrical wiring that connects it to the lawn mower.
It is best to use a socket wrench or similar tool to unscrew the screws that hold the starter in place.
You will also need to remove any other parts that may be in the way, such as the flywheel or the spark plug.
Once the starter is removed, you will need to carefully inspect it for any damage or wear and tear.
If the starter appears to be in good condition, you can reattach it to the lawn mower and reconnect the electrical wiring.
If the starter is in bad condition, you will need to purchase a new one from a lawn mower retailer.
When installing the new starter, make sure to double-check all of the connections and wiring before turning on the lawn mower.
It is important to ensure that everything is securely connected and that the wiring is not loose or frayed.
Once everything is connected, you can test the starter by turning the key and listening for a clicking or grinding sound.
If the starter runs smoothly, your lawn mower is ready to go!
What to Look for When Replacing a Lawn Mower Starter
When it comes to replacing a lawn mower starter, there are several things to consider.
First, you will want to check for any visible signs of damage or wear on the starter.
This could include frayed wires, cracks, or other signs of wear.
If the starter looks visibly damaged, it is likely that it needs to be replaced.
Next, you will want to listen for a clicking sound when attempting to start the mower.
This is often an indication that the starter is not receiving enough power to turn the engine over.
If you hear a clicking sound, it is likely that the starter is bad and needs to be replaced.
Finally, you will want to make sure that the starter is receiving power.
This can be done by checking the battery and making sure it is properly charged and connected.
If the battery is not charged or connected, the starter will not be able to provide the necessary power to start the mower.
By following these steps, you can easily determine if your lawn mower starter is bad and needs to be replaced.
Remember, a bad starter can lead to further damage to the engine, so it is important to address any issues as soon as possible.
How to Install a New Lawn Mower Starter
Once you have determined that your lawn mower starter is bad and needs to be replaced, you will need to install a new starter.
This is a relatively simple process that can be done with only a few tools and a bit of know-how.
First, you will need to disconnect the battery and then remove the old starter.
You can do this by removing the bolts that hold the starter in place and then gently wiggling the starter out of the engine.
Once the starter is out, you can then set it aside and begin to install the new one.
When installing the new starter, make sure that the new starter is the same size and shape as the old one, as this will ensure that it fits properly in the engine.
You will then need to connect the new starter to the battery and the engine.
Make sure that all connections are tight and secure, as this will help ensure that the new starter will work properly.
Once you have connected the new starter, you can then reattach the bolts that hold the starter in place.
After you have done this, you can then test the starter by attempting to start the lawn mower.
If the mower starts, then you have successfully installed the new starter.
Installing a new starter for your lawn mower is a relatively simple process that can be completed with minimal tools and a bit of know-how.
It is important to make sure that all connections are tight and secure and that the new starter is the same size and shape as the old one.
This will help to ensure that the new starter will work properly and give you years of reliable use.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to tell if your lawn mower starter is bad, you can confidently diagnose any issues with your lawn mower.
When replacing your lawn mower starter, make sure to look for a compatible starter, read the instructions carefully, and take all necessary safety precautions.
With the right tools and knowledge, replacing the lawn mower starter should not be a difficult task.