Cub Cadet / Rover RZT42 zero turn

[masterone2988]

I have a Rover RZT42, it is a copy of the Cub Cadet...Kohler 20hp motor 7000 series
When I turn the ignition key I get mixed reactions
1) Sometimes no sound other than a click, indicating the solenoid has received power, no crank
2)Sometimes the engine cranks briefly, then stops

The battery is fully charged and to me it seems that is not the problem, although it is 5 years old?

I have a portable car battery starter, and sometimes, when I connect that to the battery terminals and turn the ignition, it cranks fully and starts, but at other times it just does the one crank and stops and this repeats over and over

When I read up online, some people refer to the battery as faulty (although when I test it at rest it is 12.3v and running it is 13.4v), but I wonder if spending $125au may not be the problem.
Other reading areas say it may be the solenoid breaking down, not delivering enough current to the starter.

What would you do...buy a solenoid and replace it, or perhaps a battery?

Thanks

 

[bogieboy]

I would start by verifying all battery connections are clean and tight. What you are describing sounds lik a loose cable, either at the battery, or the solenoid or frame ground. Also if the battery does not ground straight to the engine, verify your motor mount bolts are clean and tight as well....

Barring all that, start with the solenoid, assuming the battery has been load tested, and not just voltage checked. Voltage under load is what we need to know, if your voltage immediately drops to 6-8v when attempting starting, you have a bad battery. Most lawn and garden batteries these days only last 4-5 years on average...

 

[masterone2988]

Thank you...it is night time here now so I will do the load tests in the morning. I have already cleaned the battery terminals and the connectors to the battery, to like new. The battery is grounded/held in by it's bracket that also bolts it to the frame. What do mean please, by "verify your motor mount bolts are clean and tight as well ". The motor has never been removed and is solid as a rock. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Seachaser]

I have a Rover RZT42, it is a copy of the Cub Cadet...Kohler 20hp motor 7000 series
When I turn the ignition key I get mixed reactions
1) Sometimes no sound other than a click, indicating the solenoid has received power, no crank
2)Sometimes the engine cranks briefly, then stops

The battery is fully charged and to me it seems that is not the problem, although it is 5 years old?

I have a portable car battery starter, and sometimes, when I connect that to the battery terminals and turn the ignition, it cranks fully and starts, but at other times it just does the one crank and stops and this repeats over and over

When I read up online, some people refer to the battery as faulty (although when I test it at rest it is 12.3v and running it is 13.4v), but I wonder if spending $125au may not be the problem.
Other reading areas say it may be the solenoid breaking down, not delivering enough current to the starter.

What would you do...buy a solenoid and replace it, or perhaps a battery?

Thanks

Buy a battery first. Eliminate the simplest. I’ve had good batteries, that tested 100%, not have enough starting amps. Those lawnmower batteries are not dependable.