JD STX 38 Mower

[quiggs12]

I have a 12.5 HP Kohler engine run JD riding mower. I just bought a new starter directly from kohler and am still have issues with it. The key won"t start it/ It doesn"t even click, making me think there is maybe a safety switch somewhere that is blown preventing it from working. However, when I use the old screwdriver trick to try and start it, it takes quite a few attempts to get the starter to engage onto the flywheel to turn it over. It looks like when the starter goes to engage it gets knocked back down the second it touches the flywheel. The flywheel looks in good condition, I don"t see any wear to suggest it needs to be replaced. Anyone know anything about these or can find me an online manual or diagram that I can download. Thanks

 

[Anonymous-0]

You probably have a bad solenoid, and maybe a bad safety switch. The safety switches can get misaligned as well, causing a good switch to give the wrong result. A starter cable with an internal break might do this. You may have a momentary contact which is broken when the starter engages.

Wiring diagram here:
http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.HomePageServlet_Alt

 

[quiggs12]

Thanks a lot. I will give this a look and see if I can figure it out. I can't imagine it being the solenoid because it is brand new... and it does everything EXACTLY like the one I replaced with it.

 

[Bob]

Check ALL battery cable connections (BOTH ends), and that the engine bolts are tight (to complete the ground path from the frame to the engine).

Once you get the starter to work when "jumped", if you still have problems getting it to engage from the key, read the next paragraph

Also, DEERE made a "starting improvement kit" consisting of a "ice cube relay" and some wiring. All the safety switches and make the current to the stater solenoid weak, this relay cures that,