Mini FasTrak won't start

[dlite]

Let me preface this by saying I have very limited knowledge about engines, etc. But yesterday went out to cut the lawn and my Mini Fastrak would not start. It was cranking but would not "catch" and start. After trying several times it seemed to get weaker and weaker each time and eventually it wouldn't do anything. With my limited knowledge I assumed it was probably a dead battery so I took mine out and got a new one and put it in. But even after having a fresh battery installed it still does absolutely nothing when I turn the key. Any thoughts if there's something a novice like myself can check now? I don't have any easy means of transporting the mower to a dealer to get it checked out so wanted to exhaust all my options before doing that. Thanks.

[mowerconsultant]

When was the last time it was running? last week? last season?
I would check to make sure you have fuel and the correct tank is switched on.
Then I would check the choke to make sure it is choking all the way.

Pj

[jimceez]

Make sure your levers are in the "park" position too.

[dlite]

Last time it was running was last week. Switch is pointing to the correct gas tank, and choke seems to work fine. But it doesn't even get to the point where either of those comes in play (in my mind) because it doesn't turn over or anything..........it doesn't do ANYTHING when turning the key except the oil pressure light comes on which is normal. Other then that you'd never know the key was turned on. The parking handles are in the correct starting position. Thanks.

[mowerconsultant]

Ok.
I read in your first post that is was cranking and would not catch and thought you replaced the battery so it cranks but wont start.
Make sure your deck switch is off also.
You will need to use a voltmeter and read some voltages, at the battery and at the starter when the key is in the crank position.

Pj

[dlite]

FYI.......my issue was a bad starter solonoid.

[Rog]

I would recomend abstaining from using any presurize water near the starter. Water finds its way underneath the rubber boot on the starter silonoid and forms a ring of rust around the plunger over time. Removing the silonoid and a little light sanding and WD-40 will resolve the problem.