8hp Gokart starting problem...please help!

[panic3597]

I have a 8hp gokart that is electric start with a key. There is no pullstart on it. It has been running since I bought it recently, but for the second time now the electric start just quit working. The first time it quit working, it made no sound at all and I ended up just adjusting the wires near the key ignition and it started working again. Now it quit working again and I've tried adjusting them again but its not working, the starter or something is making a CLICK sound when trying to turn the key. Is there any other suggestions? It has a fuse near the key spot, would the starter be making a noise at all if the fuse was bad? It looks good and the metal inside the cylinder is connected. Would it be making a noise at all if the wiring is connected poorly, even though it worked a few days ago? I have put a screwdriver on the two terminals on the solenoid and it sparked. Please give me some troubleshooting tips! I really hope the starter isn't out since I did get it running again last time

 

[B man]

hmmm a click? does it have a solenoid?

 

[panic3597]

Yeah it has a solenoid. I read on another forum to put a screwdriver on both of the terminals and see if there is a spark and there was. Any ideas why it'd suddenly start to make a click sound everytime you turn the key

 

[B man]

is it a click or a click click? 1 or 2 clicks?

 

[KieranM]

Got a fully charged battery?

 

[panic3597]

Everytime I turn the key, it clicks 1 time from the starter or something around it. What should I try? The battery is charged as well

 

[KieranM]

Are the wires tight on the terminals, or corroded in anyway?

 

[B man]

ok. what engine is it?

 

[Death_Star_Janitor]

Take some jumper cables and try to jump the starter directly. Also take the starter off and try to see if it will turn over when it is out.

 

[Death_Star_Janitor]

Or try adjusting with part # 1BFH if nothing else works.

 

[panic3597]

It is a Tecumseh 8hp engine. The battery is charged and Ive tried hooking a charger up to the battery terminals and starting it with the jumper and it still didn not work. Could it be bad connections under the steering wheel with those wires? Or a bad wiring harness? If it was a connection problem, it wouldnt be making a noise at all right?

 

[B man]

a tecumseh. and it dosent have a recoil?

 

[B man]

pics would help.

 

[panic3597]

What is a recoil? It doesnt have a pullstart if thats what you mean

 

[B man]

a recoil is a pullstart. is there nothing there? or is there a metal cup looking thing hanging out?

 

[r97]

the click is the solenoid activating. i would:

try to turn the crank shaft by hand, if the engine spins, continue to the next step. if it does not spin, remove chain and/or clutch from engine and try again.

check ALL connections, especially between the batery, solenoid, and starter motor.

remove the solenoid, then test the solenoid. when activated can you pass current through it?

remove the starter, test it to see if it operates without a load.

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NOTE: it would definitely help to post some pictures because there are several different styles of starter motors!