OK, here's the deal. The LT80 won't turn over at all. It sat all winter without running. I tried to start it about a month ago and it was real hard to turn over and was flooded from the fuel switch apparently being left in the PRI position. I just turned the fuel off and pushed it back in the corner. Dragged it back out yesterday and drained all the fuel from the carb, pulled the plug and cleaned it and charged the battery up. Now, the battery has a good charge, but when you hit the start button all that happens is the click of the relay - doesn't turn over at all.

I thought maybe the battery was still weak, so I put jumper cables on it from the mower battery and no change.

Could it be the starter? Where the heck is it?

Thanks in advance.

 

the first thing i'd look at would be the battery cables and terimals. make sure they're clean and not corroded, next try and turn the engine over by hand just to make sure it didn't seize on you.

 

Assuming the engine is not locked up and you do have a good charge, try shorting the two poles of the solenoid. If that cranks it, it needs to be replaced.

Rodney

 

Thanks all, think it's time to take it to the dealer for repair. This is getting beyond my expertise and resources. Went back to it this morning and now the relay doesn't even click. Swapped with a known good battery and still nothing. Made up a wire to by pass the relay and still no good. Found the starter but I really don't want to crack it apart - doesn't look all that easy to get in and out. I think I better just fork over the $ to have mechanic look at it before I break something.

 

It's the relay or start button IMO. I consider both common.
I find more buttons bad. An ohm meter can test it.
You stated a full case of fuel before. Did you drain that? like mentioned, the motor locked up, maybe from the fuel.
If you want to check the starter, stand the machine on end. Pull the rubber boot back on the starter wire and try jumping there.

It's a wise man that knows his limits. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]