Diagnose My Kawasaki Mower Engine

[cegerer]

I left the key in the 'on' position overnight on my mower a few days ago. Of course, it wouldn't start. I figured a dead battery. Charged it up and still nothing. Tried jumping it and still nothing. Just get a loud 'click' from the solenoid/starter and nothing else. It doesn't turn over at all. What did I burn out? Does thing thing have points that might have burned out?

Model Nr. Kawasaki FH601V 19HP 4-stroke V-Twin.

Thanks for any help!

[Rot 911]

are you sure the battery is really charged up? you may have killed the battery and it will not take a charge. I doubt you did anything harmful by leaving the key on, other than killing the battery.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

"Click" meant a dead battery for my old '93 Kawi Concours.

I'd try a new, freshly charged battery.

[juanbenae]

those small jeyski/motorcycle/mower batteries have a short life if you dont keep them charged. i have jet ski batteries that i take home from our lake house and charge monthly, year around. additionally if you charge the thing with anymore than a trickle (2 amp or less) you probally cooked it.

[john70t]

In the same line of checking the obvious, after a little spring tuneup, I couldn't get mine to start either after cranking and cranking.
After the beating the head against the wall routine, I realized I had tightened up the shift lever enough so it didn't fall naturally and close a hidden mini switch.

It does sound like a bad battery- just strong enough to close the relay contacts("click") contecting battery to starter motor, but no push to even turn the motor once.
Rule of thumb is: 12.4V is 50% charged, 12.6V+ is full. Must stay above 10V while cranking.

[cegerer]

Battery has a 100% charge. Took it in and had it checked. Also tried to jump it from my car battery. Still nothing. Just click. It's at the shop now. We'll see what they come up with. Thanks. -- Curt

[juanbenae]

i just noticed were your contacts on the starter and ground from the battery cleaned?

[pwd72s]

Riding mowers with electric start have a safety contact switch on the seat...no rider in the seat when key is turned, no start. I learned this trying to help an elderly neighbor get his rider started. Me? Rope pull, 21" to mow 1/3 acre of lawn. Why? Figure I could use the exercise...