Lawn tractor?

[REDNECK GOCARTS]

First off I would like to say, I know this isn't a go kart but it is dealing with small engines. I have a John Deere 180 lawn tractor that has a sticking starter, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Do any of you guys know how to fix that with out buying a new starter?

 

[B_Bimmer]

Take it apart and clean out the dirt and old grease, lube it up, throw it back together and it'll likely work for another twenty years.

 

[REDNECK GOCARTS]

Thank you so much.

 

[anderkart]

What do you mean by Sticking?

Does your starter keep cranking the engine over even if you turn the key off?

 

[Ebrownie]

If you mean it doesn't do anything when you turn they key, maybe a weak battery? I'm not sure what sticking means.

 

[REDNECK GOCARTS]

The solenoid clicks and it won't engage the gear with the flywheel. The battery is off another lawn tractor that will start.

 

[MTNSleder]

I've worked on a few of those crappy John Deeres Transmission, Engine, tires Ect, Ect, list goes on and on so Spray WD-40 on the starters moving parts better yet take it apart and clean the rust up... That's worked everytime for me on the few starters I've had stick

 

[Lefturns75]

On many of the JD lawn tractors they suffer from a voltage drop at the starter. Sometimes will drag or not work at all even with a hot batt. Add a starter relay kit, ##AM107421 and that problem will go away. When the starter is engaged, this kit allows the full 12 volts to the starter and no more problem. You can find these on "The Bay" or at many parts dealers. Do a search and find the best price. I picked up mine for around $16 and had it installed in less than 15 min. There are also some good vids on Youtube on this also.

 

[REDNECK GOCARTS]

Thank you for that but I think all it needs is a good clean out because it was sitting for like two years in the weather.

 

[obone]

Just a thought on this. You get 12V out of the solenoid to the starter? Or are you saying your starter spins, but does not move to come in contact with the flywheel? I've seen the first were the solenoid is dirty on the inside. You hear a click as it engages, but does not have 12V out to the starter. It just needed broken down and cleaned. This was also on a tractor left outside for a few years. Best of luck.

 

[Lefturns75]

If you have one of the older 180's using the Kawasaki engine and built in Horicon Wisconsin, The relay kit will solve your problem. If it is one of those fake jobs built in Tennessee do what ever works for you.