Starter partially engaging

[The motor guy]

So for a while now, the starter on my ferris z2 stander doesn't always engage the first time. Anyways, went out and mowed and the started just clicked like it moved enough to spin the bendix gear onto the Flywheel teeth but not actually turn the engine. I actually think it was the starter solenoid clicking, but isn't that good? Isn't it supposed to click? Anyways, I grabbed another mower off the trailer and mowed with it while I mulled over the situation.

Then i came back turned the key hard over, and there was a delay but it started. Restarted it a couple times, then used it on another property later on and it seemed fine. I was trying to find the starter solenoid to jump, but I guess they're connected to the starter now and didn't see it because I was thinking it was somewhere else

How embarrassing, to show up to a customers yard and the mower doesn't start Anyways, that loud click means the solenoid works right? The click was coming from the starter which is where the solenoid is. This isn't the first time I've had to put a new $15 ignition switch on this mower and I can't remember what the problem was with the first one. I think that last one got too hard to turn and wouldn't go back from start to run after the engine started, then it randomly did the same thing and totally quit one day.

 

[Lubener]

Sounds like starter issues. However, valve clearance issues can simulate starter and battery problems. As a test, you can try manually rotating the engine off its compression stroke and see if the engine cranks normally.

 

[eljefino]

A bendix style starter uses the rotational inertia (or lack thereof) to fling the gear into the flywheel. You can have a solenoid that doesn't mechanically move the gear in and out, it's essentially a heavy duty relay.

 

[mk378]

The ones where the solenoid is integral with the starter to mechanically move the gear up can do move the gear up, but still not close the circuit to the motor. That is a click but no turn. Also if the big positive wire to the battery is bad but the small wire to the key is good you will have click but no turn.