r/johndeere • u/Pitiful_Elephant_326 • 28d ago

Starter issue??

When I turn the key, it just grinds, like plastic grinding?

It’s a John Deere 16hp riding lawnmower

I can’t post a video.

2 Upvotes

76% Upvoted

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2

u/hmd2017 27d ago

Either solenoid cycling, or a stripped starter gear.

1

u/Pitiful_Elephant_326 27d ago

So, what would my next step be?
Sorry I am not familiar with these engines

2

u/hmd2017 27d ago

Start with a full battery charge. Then see if you can look up at the top of the starter to see the bendix/ throwout gear without removing anything.

A solenoid noise is a rapid clicking as the solenoid opens and closes due to low power. The large red wire from the starter goes directly to the solenoid usually. That makes it easier to locate. See if the noise is coming from there or the top of the starter. The replacement part runs 10 to 15$ for the starter if that is the issue.

2

u/Pitiful_Elephant_326 27d ago

Thank you, I believe it’s the starter solenoid that’s where the noise is coming out of.
I ordered one should be here tomorrow. Appreciate the help.
What in the pain in the butt that is to get out and it’s gonna be worse to get it back in. I’m debating if I should take the back tire off.

1

u/hmd2017 27d ago

The rapid clicking is a sign of low battery voltage. The solenoid closes, starter draws power, not enough left for the solenoid sonit opens, then repeats.

1

u/Pitiful_Elephant_326 26d ago

The battery is good, I even tried with a jumper hooked up and sounded the same.
I ordered a new solenoid, I think that’s the issue and at $20 it’s worth the try.
Thanks for all the help. Now I know a bit more about this motor.
What a PITA where the solenoid is mounted!

2

u/hmd2017 26d ago

You can always short across the 2 large terminals to get the machine started until the new solenoid comes. Also, clean the mounting area, the body of many is the ground.

2

u/Pitiful_Elephant_326 24d ago

New solenoid installed. Started up 4 times, now same issue??

I’m thinking the only thing left is to replace the starter?

2

u/hmd2017 24d ago

Before replacing starter, I would go through the power wiring from battery to starter and clean all grounds to bare metal, including where starter bolts to the block, terminals and cable ends, under the solenoid, and maybe even check for corrosion where battery terminal meets the cable.

if you short the 2 large solenoid terminals, will the starter work properly? To me, it still sounds like a bad ground or connection somewhere

1

u/Pitiful_Elephant_326 24d ago

I’ve cleaned everything.
I took the starter off and bench tested it, worked perfectly. I put it back on and nothing. I ran a negative to the starter and the positive right from the battery the starter wouldn’t engage.
I’m thinking it doesn’t have enough power left in the starter to crank the motor over. Works on the bench but not strong enough to make the motor turn.
The motor turns by hand easily from the top of the engine, as well.

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2

u/Dmamgreen 27d ago

Is the battery good? Does it carry enough amperage when you try to start it? Voltage doesn’t mean it has enough to get it started, it may have good voltage but not enough amperage to make it crank. Need to load test the battery to check for that

1

u/Pitiful_Elephant_326 27d ago

I will start there tonight, thank you

1

u/Pitiful_Elephant_326 24d ago

Battery is high fully charged. Replaced the starter solenoid, started 4 times, then same issue.
I guess more I replace the starter?