Electric Starter Question

[LawnDawg43]

I have a Snapper push mower with a Briggs & Stratton 875 series engine with electric start. When I turn the key the starter turns over but won't 'engage' and the engine won't start. When I start it using the pull cord it fires right up. Do I need a new electric starter? Thanks in advance from a newbie.

 

[bakerg]

Could be a couple of things. If the starter does not turn fast enough because of a bad connection or low battery voltage, then the bendix won't engage the engine. If the battery is ok and starter is turning fast enough, then it could be the bendix is stuck or the gear is stripped. If all that checks out then it could just be the starter is bad. Hope this helps:biggrin:

 

[wjjones]

I have the Briggs Brute with electric start, and it does this when the battery is low.. If you run it, and the battery does not charge up you most likely need a new battery.

 

[benski]

If you do get it running, and own a voltmeter, your voltage should be between 13.7 and 15.5 with the engine at full speed.:wink:

 

[JDgreen]

If you do get it running, and own a voltmeter, your voltage should be between 13.7 and 15.5 with the engine at full speed.:wink:

Are you talking about alternator output or voltage at the battery itself? Based on my experience, over 15 volts output from the alternator will lead to an overcharging condition. Battery voltage with the engine running should be about 14, and no higher than 14.8 with a fully charged battery.

 

[wjjones]

Are you talking about alternator output or voltage at the battery itself? Based on my experience, over 15 volts output from the alternator will lead to an overcharging condition. Battery voltage with the engine running should be about 14, and no higher than 14.8 with a fully charged battery.

Yep, and if its overcharging the VR is bad.. But i am guessing from the description of his problem the lack of power points to a dead battery it might have a dead cell so it wont take charge..

 

[benski]

Are you talking about alternator output or voltage at the battery itself? Based on my experience, over 15 volts output from the alternator will lead to an overcharging condition. Battery voltage with the engine running should be about 14, and no higher than 14.8 with a fully charged battery.

Alternator output. Perhaps the most telling test for me is after it gets started, I've experienced high charge rates, and then after a minute or so at full rpm the input voltage should come down to a safe level. These little guys don't put out much current at idle rpm, at least in my experience.

 

[LawnDawg43]

Installed the new battery tonight and have the same problem. I'll examine the starter next, which leads to my next question. I followed the wires to the starter housing and they disappear inside said housing. How are they connected internally? Am I looking at some splicing or are there connectors inside attached with small screws, etc?

Thanks again guys.

 

[wjjones]

Installed the new battery tonight and have the same problem. I'll examine the starter next, which leads to my next question. I followed the wires to the starter housing and they disappear inside said housing. How are they connected internally? Am I looking at some splicing or are there connectors inside attached with small screws, etc?

Thanks again guys.

I will look at mine a.s.a.p. and post up how it connects...

 

[LawnDawg43]

There is actually an external plud/connection-found that. I replaced the interlock switch (very simple) but I still have the same problem: engine turns over but won't start. The starter motor itself is working. I am assuming the bendix at this point? As always, thanks in advance.