Mower engine won't crank?

Question

I have a 15hp B&S electric start engine on a pull behind mower. Ran fine all summer, then let it sit for about the past two months. I took it in to properly (albeit late) winterize it, but it won't crank even a little. I turn the key and it makes a feeble "thunk" and then nothing. The thunk is coming from the part right next to the battery, not the starter nor the engine itself. The battery is fully charged I even tried to jump start it with my car but it wouldn't budge. The last time it ran, the gas was good, the oil was full and clean, the plug is new this season... The only abuse I did give it was keeping it outside in the elements for the past three months. I made a lean-to to store it under, but the missus thought it would be better to store fence posts there and left it outside... Yes, I am PO'd  about that, but she is divorce-caliber stubborn and I didn't argue. 

Any ideas?

Mark · Accepted Answer

bang on the starter with a hammer as you turn key/seloniod,,, it may just be stuck from non use. 

banging on a starter is not a new idea. , give it a try.

the thunk would mean the solenoid is working, but the starter is not.

mowerman · Answer

I think that your noise is coming from the solenoid but that does not mean that it is bad because if the starter went bad after your last use it very well could make the solenoid sound like it is bad, or you could have a short in wiring harness, I've had that happen to me before.Also if there is excess fuel in the cylinder and it is on compression stroke. and you turn the key with all the pressure in the cylinder could bind up the starter.

Sean J · Answer

I dont know why it wont crank if you charged the battery. Press the primer button four times - the instructions probably say three times. I suggest you remove the spark plug and squirt in some lighter fuel into the spark plug port. Replace the spark plug. Now try the "Pull Start" cord.
Despite an operational electric cranking system, I frequently have to use the lighter fuel trick to get it running.
Good luck.

fuzzykjun · Answer

replace the thunk,,urrr the solenoid!

Mower engine won't crank?

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