OT: lawn mower question

Mike(NEOhio) · Apr 25, 2018

Getting the mower ready last week and had trouble starting it. It's a Toro with electric start B&S with a fixed throttle and no choke. I got it started for a few minutes then cleaned it up. A couple days later I went to finish it up. The battery was charged and I cranked till it got too low. Charged it again, checked for spark, still no go. The wife came by and said "Did you try with the rope?" The starter has nothing to do with it, I said. She said whenever the battery is low or it will not start she uses the rope and it starts. So I tried, two pulls and it was running.

My question is WHY, when the starter spins it faster and longer that the rope pull, does it not start. And starts with the rope. I'm flummoxed. The battery only runs the starter and there is no charging from the engine, must be plugged in. Any ideas why?

grizz02 · Apr 25, 2018

starter must be pulling voltage away from ignition system have you pulled a plug wire off with a spark plug in it and spun it over with the starter to see if there is good spark or is it weak ?

grizz02 · Apr 25, 2018

also how old is battery might just need new batt

Russ from MN · Apr 25, 2018

Aren't most lawn mower engines magneto ignition?

grizz02 · Apr 25, 2018

I wonder if the key switch is grounding out when it in the start position ?

chuck from neb · Apr 25, 2018

Sounds like it could be the switch going bad and robbing juice "

Andy Martin · Apr 25, 2018

I think the worst part is the wife knew how to fix the problem.

Steve@Advance · Apr 25, 2018

All I can think of is a bad ignition switch grounding the mag when in start position. Try disconnecting the kill wire from the coil, see if that makes a difference.

Moonlite37 · Apr 26, 2018

Wife may also have the solution. Did you ask her?

Grandpa's Fords · Apr 26, 2018

I have learned in small engines that may be prone to flooding that turning an engine over slower helps to ignite unburned fuel in cylinders.
Don't know if that your issue but I've used it many times with success. Maybe a carb or needle issue? Otherwise the other suggestions maybe more valid.

mmfan55 · Apr 26, 2018

My guess will also be switch. Engaging stop mode with starter.

glennster · Apr 26, 2018

mike, i think my wife has the same mower. personal pace with electric start. it does the same thing. i think the starter rope turns the motor over faster than the electric start. i put a new battery on it last year, it did help some. btw.....i hate that mower. its heavy, hard to lift in the truck, and not real maneuverable for trimming, my favorite trimming mower is an old lawn boy two cycle silver series self propelled magnesium deck. light as a feather, and ya never have to change oil!!!.

da.bees · Apr 26, 2018

I'm just glad your wife knew what was wrong and helped you get it started.

Steve@Advance · Apr 26, 2018

Glenn, after rethinking this, I suspect you are right.

A good healthy, frustrated rope pull probably does spin it faster than the starter motor, making a better spark.

Mike(NEOhio) · Apr 26, 2018

glennster, that's the one exactly. I put a new battery on last year, too. The little sh...tin' thing cost nearly $40. SWMBO does the mowing around the house so I don't complain and try to keep it running good.

OT: lawn mower question

Mike(NEOhio)

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grizz02

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grizz02

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Russ from MN

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grizz02

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chuck from neb

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Andy Martin

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Steve@Advance

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Moonlite37

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Grandpa's Fords

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mmfan55

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glennster

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da.bees

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Steve@Advance

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Mike(NEOhio)

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