Repairs Z717A Starting Issue

mwsandlin

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I have a Z717A that is about 13 years old. When starting the engine it will turn-over with no problem but will not fire right away. The starter will continue to turn the engine over until it starts. Once it starts the engine runs great with no problem. What is happening is that it takes so long for the engine to fire that you almost give up when all of a sudden it fires and starts running. I had a battery terminal actually melt and break loose because the positive cable gets hot because it takes so long for the engine to crank. Didn't realize this when I replaced the battery at the beginning of the season because of a broken terminal that appeared to have weakened from being hot and melting. Thought it was a battery issue - now I have another battery where the positive terminal has broken. Occurred while trying to start. When I touched the wire it almost burnt my fingers because it was so hot. What could be causing the mower not to start right away? Don't want to continue replacing the battery because of it.
 

shiftsuper175607

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I have a Z717A that is about 13 years old. When starting the engine it will turn-over with no problem but will not fire right away. The starter will continue to turn the engine over until it starts. Once it starts the engine runs great with no problem. What is happening is that it takes so long for the engine to fire that you almost give up when all of a sudden it fires and starts running. I had a battery terminal actually melt and break loose because the positive cable gets hot because it takes so long for the engine to crank. Didn't realize this when I replaced the battery at the beginning of the season because of a broken terminal that appeared to have weakened from being hot and melting. Thought it was a battery issue - now I have another battery where the positive terminal has broken. Occurred while trying to start. When I touched the wire it almost burnt my fingers because it was so hot. What could be causing the mower not to start right away? Don't want to continue replacing the battery because of it.

Choke must be closed.... causing enough suction to draw gas through carb jet into the cylinder...engine fires.

Check choke plate fully closed
 

bertsmobile1

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Nov 29, 2014
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Check the battery cable connections at both ends clean the contact area, use new clean bolts then paint over with Liquid Electrical Tape to prevent further corrosion
Do the same with the + wire between the solenoid & the starter.
As this mower is on the oldish side, it might be needing new brushes in the starter motor.
Then remover the carburettor and clean it as per the instructions found here http://outdoorpowerinfo.com/repairs/

When finished check the choke is fully closed as per the post above.
 
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