I have a TroyBilt TB30R rear engine mower. The starter spins but won't crank the engine. I replaced the battery which was old anyway but that didn't change the problem. The starter still spins but won't crank the engine. Is it the solenoid or the starter or both? Thanks in advance.
Starter Spins But Won't Crank
- Thread starter jimshoe52
- Start date
Craftsman Garage
Well-Known Member
What engine model and brand is this? It is likely the starter bendix is dirty or some component on top is stuck or broken to prevent the gear from sliding up.
MTD Model #4P90JUC
Auto Doc's
Lawn Addict
This model appears to have an external solenoid, so I suspect the starter gear is stuck in the down position. A worn are dirty Bendix gear is most likely.
That was my thinking too. Stuck benedix spring. I tried tapping it to unstuck it but didn't work. The srarterit worked 2 weeks ago, not now. Does the solinoid cause a starter to engage?
StarTech
Lawn Royalty
There is no electric solenoid on the starter to shift the starter Bendix, it is all mechanical.
I haven't seen one to know actually how get Bendix to engage but somehow it gets spun up into the ring gear. And I never had a problem with a P90 to look at one.
I don't see that happening. It was working great 2 weeks ago.
OK, I guess I'll start with a new solinoid. And go from there, thanks for the assist.
Well, I went back and did more research and found a video where the mechanic found the pinion starter clutch was worn. So all he had to do was replace that one component and it worked. Sad thing is, that one little plastic gear is $70+. I think I'll opt for a whole new starter on Amazon for $50.
Before purchasing a new starter I would remove the starter and do a little troubleshooting. I suspect the clutch is just stuck on the shaft and needs a little cleaning and light coat of lube. You have to remove the starter either way so troubleshooting before purchasing may save you $$$$.