I have a 2003 Tiger cub STC-48. It has the 19 hp FH601V Kawasaki and has been a very reliable machine. The past couple of days the starter or selanoid clicks when turning the key, but won't crank. After numerous tries it will crank and start with no other cranking delays for the day. The next morning this repeats itself. Could this be low battery, selanoid, or starter failure? Any input would be welcome.
Short answer is yes to all of them.
So you need to eliminate them one at a time.
Eliminate the battery by hooking the mower to a known good one with jumper leads.
If the mower spins quickly and smoothly suspect the battery.
Take the battery and get it load tested.
Clean all of the connections not forgetting the ground lead.
If the engine turns over lumpy with the jumpers then suspect the valve lash
Remove the rocker covers and adjust the valve clearences .
If it still turn over lumpy then check the decompressor by removing the spark plugs.
Spins freely and evenly without plugs and valve lash set within speck then watch the movement of the inlet valve.
It should bump open a tiny amount just before top dead centre if not you cam cam problems.
In addition to what Bert has mentioned, there is a cranking relay under the panel close to the key switch, these relays are somewhat problematic.
However, battery connections, battery/electrical grounds, fuses, key switch, engine electrical harness connector, starter motor/shift relay are all in the cranking loop in addition to the safety circuits, the electronic control module and all electrical connectors.
