My 4 month old Toro riding mower died. It clicks when I turn the key, but the engine does not turn over. The gas is good. I jumped the battery with the same result.
There is a safety switch under the seat that prevents the motor from starting unless someone is sitting on it. It may be disabled or broken. I would start by looking at that.
I would start with the lawnmower's safety switch under the seat. If the switch is engaged and set, then go to the starter. This should be an issue with the starter.
If you hear a click, the starter solenoid (relay ) is operating.... The problem most likely is the starter.... But it could be the cable from the starter solenoid to the starter ( though not likely) or it could be the solenoid broken....again not likely....
Sometimes the starter drive pinion will stick in the flywheel and then the starter doesn't have the power to crank the engine. The starter motor must be spinning when the starter engages the flywheel. If the starter drive pinion is stuck in the flywheel it can be released by rotating the engine back and forth, by hand, a few degrees to relieve the bind in the starter.
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I have a Toro Wheel Horse riding mower. I started it and pulled the choke up all the way really fast and now it will not start at all. I have replaced the battery but when I tried to start it, it just smoked. Then I thought it was flooded so I took the spark plug out and put it back in and then it just did not make any noise. Now I am trying to find out what is wrong with it.
By kyle from Williamstown, PA
You flooded the mower. Leave it set awhile open the throttle wide open; don't continue to choke. This will open the butterfly valve to let more air in and clear it.
Don't pull the choke out all the way or the same thing will happen again from flooded motor. Good Luck!
If it smoked when you turned the key on and now nothing at all you'll probably find a blown 12 system fuse hid somewhere where you cant see it. if it is a blown fuse you have a direct short on the 12 volt line somewhere. When you find your short your mower will probably be fine then.
I have spark, I can smell the fuel, it appears to have compression, but still won't start. There is a new battery, it turns over with good power, but won't start.
What else should I check?Check your flywheel key.
I have a Toro LX500 riding mower. My problem is that it won't start. When I turn the key, the top of the starter spins up and turns the flywheel just a little and then stops. Sometimes the top of the starter doesn't spin back down. It has a brand new, fully charged battery. I've had the starter off and if I jump the starter it spins just fine off the tractor. Do I need a new starter? I will gladly try any suggestion that someone has.
By Kassie
I have a Troy Bilt Pony 17.5 hp and it does the same thing. I took out the sparkplug and turned it over and discharged the gas from the cylinder. I got it too fire up and run but it did the same thing the next time I tried to start it.
My Toro 17-38 axle worked fine til I ran out of fuel. I cleaned the dirty fuel tank and replaced the fuel filter. Per other comments, I turned the air vent on top of the motor counterclockwise 2.5 turns to see fuel sloshing in the air in take? On starting the air vent spins about .5 - 1 turn then stops with a clunk. Further start attempts just give a click sound, unless I turn the vent counerclockwise again. I would appreciate advice.
Here are a few things you can try:
I put a new solenoid, starter switch, and the battery was charged. Why won't my Toro start?
You may need Spark plugs and a clean Filter. this makes a big difference in a complete start up for your mower.
Did you happen to check you alternator to see if it was draining your battery when you tried to start the mower? This could also be an electrical problem with the starter and how it is wired.
Is this a ride on or a push mower?
Has it been running lately or has it been a while since you used it? Did it crank up at all? Does it make any action as if to start or is it just dead? All of these things could make a difference in what is causing the problem.
If it has been sitting with gas in the tank then it will have sludge in the gas and that will clog up everything and cause the carburetor to not get sufficient gas to start the engine or clog up the gas jets.
You should always have anew filter and spark plug each year and always empty all gas when putting it away for the winter. Some people add an additive but that is a personal choice.
Since we do not know what your mower is really doing (acting) we can only tell you some of the things it could be.
You might go to one of your local auto parts stores and explain your problem to them and see if they have some suggestions as they are usually familiar with these engine and have the accessories or parts that you might need.
Actually, Ace or True Value Hardware would probably be a better choice but try one of these as they will know what questions to ask you so they can recommend a solution.
Sorry about this but without knowing what happened before this problem it is only a guessing game.