Solenoid/starter replacement

[EternalArianne]

I have a HDS 2155 with the Kohler Command 15 OHV single cylinder engine. The guy I bought it from said it wouldn’t crank, just “click”. I put a new battery in it and it fired right up, so I assumed he had a weak battery or something.

Now it’s started doing the “click” on me sometimes when I turn the key. The oil and battery dash lights come on as they should when I turn the key, but the starter doesn’t spin and I just hear a “click”. I have to try it a few times before it will turn over, or sometimes wait a few mins and then it will fire right up.

As a test, I used a screwdriver and jumped the two posts on the solenoid and the starter spins every time so I’m thinking it’s a solenoid on its last legs?

My question is can I just replace the solenoid or do I have to replace the entire starter assembly, as they appear to be made together on this engine? I’ve never seen them made like this, usually the solenoid is entirely separate from the starter…

[Sam Mac]

If you had taken the time to look in the Cub parts site you would have found the answer.

[EternalArianne]

I mean, yes I did look at the parts diagram. But I just like having assurances before I got ordering something and find out it’s way more involved or won’t work at all. Thanks though, I feel better knowing I can spend $15 on a solenoid as opposed to $75 on the entire starter assembly

[Billy-O]

Did you check the wiring connections from the battery to solenoid? Including the ground? "Nice clean and bright" is often the remedy to poor starting and "clicking" solenoids.

[EternalArianne]

All the connections look good, the red battery cable is actually brand new as well. I can get a voltmeter and test for sure before actually ordering anything though

[ol'George]

looks like a good ol' Delco Gm starter.
Carefully take the end cap off the sol. where the wires are attached and see if the terminals and washer/contact is corroded/ pitted and if so, clean it or turn it over if possible, and give it a try, nothing to loose.
Used to do it all the time 40 yrs ago.

[guyina4x4]

Originally Posted by EternalArianne

I have a HDS 2155 with the Kohler Command 15 OHV single cylinder engine. The guy I bought it from said it wouldn’t crank, just “click”. I put a new battery in it and it fired right up, so I assumed he had a weak battery or something.

Now it’s started doing the “click” on me sometimes when I turn the key. The oil and battery dash lights come on as they should when I turn the key, but the starter doesn’t spin and I just hear a “click”. I have to try it a few times before it will turn over, or sometimes wait a few mins and then it will fire right up.

As a test, I used a screwdriver and jumped the two posts on the solenoid and the starter spins every time so I’m thinking it’s a solenoid on its last legs?

My question is can I just replace the solenoid or do I have to replace the entire starter assembly, as they appear to be made together on this engine? I’ve never seen them made like this, usually the solenoid is entirely separate from the starter…

I've had several 2000 series and they all had that problem.
I could never find the problem with them but they all always started eventually.

If you can jump from the small terminal to the large one with the battery cable on it and it starts there isn't anything wrong with the starter or solenoid. It's in the wiring on the tractor.

[EternalArianne]

Is there anywhere in particular I should start looking in the wiring, in your experience with the 2000 series?

[Mr Bob]

OK ol'George. Please refresh my memory. What is a bowtie that you were driving? I am old enough to know but can't remember. Thanks and everyone have a great day. And to the OP, The old cars that I drove had a bad solenoid if you could jump the two large terminals and the engine turned over. Flipping the washer would last for a while.
Bob

[ejl6658]

What you are doing when jumping the posts on the solenoid is making the connection that the solenoid should make when you here the click. I totally disagree with your statement. The solenoid probably has burnt contacts in it that cannot carry the current to turn the starter intermittently.