Simplicity Citation starter replacement

Busdriver9

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New to the forum...so here goes!
I have a 2007 Citation model 2690444 that has a bad starter on it. I am trying to figure out if the engine needs removed to swap it out or is there an easier way to get to the starter? Any help, advice or constructive criticism is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Chris
 

Rivets

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Should be able to replace the starter without pulling the engine. You should have a 21 hp Briggs engine on your unit. Just have to remove the shroud and then you can get at the starter bolts. Are you sure it is a bad starter, what checks have you done. Here is a troubleshooting procedure I use to make sure of the exact problem.








Electrical* problems can be very easy or very difficult, depending on four things.
1. * How well you understand basic electricity.
2. *What tools you have and know how to use.
3. *How well you follow directions.
4. *You don't overlook or assume anything and verify everything.


Remember we cannot see what you are doing. *You are our eyes, ears and fingers in solving this problem. *You must be as accurate as you can when you report back. *The two basic tools we will ask you to use are a test light and a multi-meter. *If you have an assistant when going through these tests it would be very helpful. *These steps work the best when done in order, so please don't jump around. *Now let's solve this problem.


First, check the fuse(s), check battery connections for corrosion (clean if necessary) and *voltage - above 12.5 volts should be good.*


Second, check for power from the battery to one of the large terminals on the solenoid. *One of the wires is connected directly to the battery and has power all the time so one of the large terminals should light a test light or show 12 volts on a meter at all times.*


Third, *check for power at the small terminal of the solenoid while depressing the clutch/brake pedal and holding the key in the start position (you may need an assistant to sit in the seat to override the safety switch). If your solenoid is a four wire solenoid, check both small wire terminals as one is ground and the other is power from the ignition switch. *If your solenoid is a three wire solenoid, make sure the solenoid body is not corroded where it bolts to the chassis of the mower as this is your ground path back to the battery. *If in doubt, remove the solenoid and clean the mounting area down to bare metal. *If there is no power to the small terminal then your problem is most likely a safety switch, ignition switch or in the wiring.*


Fourth, check for power on the other large terminal of the solenoid while holding the key in the start position q(you may need an assistant to sit in the seat to override the safety switch).*


Fifth, check for power at the starter while holding the key in the start position (assistant again).*


Sixth, check your ground circuit back to the battery.


After you have gone through each of the above steps, let us know what happened when you did each step. *At that point we will have great info to tell you how to proceed. *Remember you are our eyes, ears, and fingers, so please be as accurate as possible.


Be as specific as possible with voltage readings as this will help diagnose your problem quicker. *If you do not know how to perform the above checks, just ask and I will try to guide you through it. *Youtube also has some videos and as you know a picture is worth a thousand words.
 

Busdriver9

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Thanks for your reply!

I honestly haven’t tested anything myself. I just inherited this mower from my late uncle. Before his passing he told me it needed a few things, one of which was a starter. I’m not sure weather he did any testing or not but he was a heavy machine mechanic at a coal mine for 30 years so I’m guessing he did. But before spending the money I will verify that indeed it is the starter. Again thank you for your response and for the great information!
 

Busdriver9

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got out to do some testing this AM.
test 1-battery 12.8v
test 2-12.8v to the large terminal of the solenoid connected to the battery.
test 3-12.7v to small terminals when key switched to start position.
test 4- 0v to second large terminal when keyed is switched to on position. I added a test of my own at this point which was the good old screwdriver on both large terminals. It fired the starter every time, at this point I was satisfied that the starter solenoid was faulty and needs replaced. Is this enough testing or should there be more before making the repairs?

Thank you Rivets from not only saving me $$$ but also time on needless parts and repairs. I am so happy I took the time to follow your advice.
 

Rivets

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Glad to be of some help. I agree with you, bad solenoid. Replace and you should be good to go.
 
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