I have a Scott's built by John Deere 2554S with a 23hp Koehler. I have put 5 solenoids on this mower since last year. It runs great but, every month or so it will not start, it doesn't do anything, change the solenoid and its fine for a while. I have changed the seat switch and the pedal switch. Those didn't help. Traced the wires down looking for a short... can't find anything else.
When it's working, I can turn the key, the engine will turn over and stop (almost like the compression stops it), let go of the key and hit it again and it spins over and starts every time.
Would love to get some ideas on this. It's driving me nuts!!!!
This is exactly what happens when the valve lash has gotten too big and the decompression is not working.
The starters fitted to domestic ride ons is not strong enough to overcome good compression.
This is done deliberately to prevent damage to the engine when trying to crank a hydro locked engine.
Now you could just adjust the valve lash which will take 1 to 2 hours the first time. 5 minutes to do the job 115 minutes to remove all the silicon because you are a good mechanic and put a gasket in there to make it easy to check in the future. :thumbsup:
or you could follow the usual proceedure.:mur:
1) replace the starter :confused2:
2) Replace the battery :confused2:
3) replace all the power leads :confused2:
4) replace the solenoid :confused2:
5) replace the ignition switch :confused2:
6) replace the PTO switch :confused2:
7) replace the flywheel :confused2:
8) replace the alternator :confused2:
9) replace the rectifier :confused2:
10) take it to a shop