starter solenoid

[38racing]

It's a 407777 intek Vtwin engine on it. The solenoid I first tried was rated 80 amps according to vendor site. I'll try it again with plugs out and if ok I'll try again with a different starter and then if still ok with the plugs in. I don't have any tool that will measure heavy amps. Maybe my repair garage could test it as I recall they did a bench test on my truck starter when it failed.

[38racing]

So I bench tested the ford type and it did pass all but .1 volts. I remounted it and tried it with plugs out. 5 times or more ok. So put the plugs in and tested. Again 5 times or more and ok. So now to see if it will start I pull off air cleaner. No fire so I spray with carb cleaner. Fires up but will run on cleaner only. At least this has added more crank tests. Then I remembered the after fire solenoid. I had not put lead back on it. Ok so now it runs. PTO won't engage but that appears to be a bad switch. To test the drive system I need the cover back over the solenoid area to keep control rods in place but cover won't fit until I change the mounting of the new solenoid to lower it. So it has to come off. Just curious, I put the original solenoid back on. And it did just click. But i repeatedly turned key and then after a few click results it catches and cranks it and it starts. Was able to repeat a couple times so I replaced the cover so I could test the drive system, which seems to be ok. I have a friend with similar unit so i might borrow his PTO switch for that test.

[Arkie]

That intermittent MTD original solenoid WILL quit again or hang up and keep cranking. You better get rid of it asap. I've been their. It has a rusty plunger and spring inside and it's a failure waiting for a happening. Hope it don't hang on and ruin the starter while you are out without a wrench to disconnect.

You might also consider doing a saved search on flea bay for a UEI DL 49. New they are about $100. I've bought them from flea bay with careful shopping for $25-$45 for guys. You can download a owners manual if you want to review before purchasing.

It's a real good no brainer tester, user friendly, turns itself off if left on, low battery indicator, autoranging, AC/DC volts, AMPs AC/DC to 400 amps ohms and diode tester and you will find yourself testing charging current and starter load currents on all kinds of eq. It will also test your vec cranking amps and charge amps.

I'm just getting ready to tackle another MTD (maintenance Today) to test the briggs twin engine. Need the motor to replace another motor. Hope the briggs gods smile on me today.

[Mek-a-nik]

Good thread, guys.
As to that PTO, make sure the battery is up to snuff, if the alt. has to re-charge it, it won't leave enough amps to power the PTO. You may know this, just thought I'd mention it.
I bought a UEI DL49 on your advice, Arkie. One of the better tools I've purchased. Had it 2 or 3 years now. Thanks!

[38racing]

Good thread, guys.
As to that PTO, make sure the battery is up to snuff, if the alt. has to re-charge it, it won't leave enough amps to power the PTO. You may know this, just thought I'd mention it.
I bought a UEI DL49 on your advice, Arkie. One of the better tools I've purchased. Had it 2 or 3 years now. Thanks!

Pto switch failed vom on power tabs. Only start circuit part works