15 HP Kawi Starter Help

[GravelyGuy]

I have a 15 HP FH451V. I just replaced the battery because it went bad. It wouldn't hold a charge. When I put the neww battery in and went to start it, it just makes a grinding sound from the starter.

I took the plastic shroud off and the little gear on the starter does not even pop up and touch the flywheel. I grabbed it with my fingers and it has no power at all. The gear will spin when you turn the key, but it has no torque.

Does this just sound like a bad starter? Anything that I can do to make it work again?

Thanks...

[WhitakerServices]

sounds like a bad solenoid to me. Don't take it to your mower shop find a local automotive electrical shop and see if they can help you. I just found a starter solenoid locally for $35 the mower shops around here quoted 120$ for the same part. shop around. you can test it on your work bench by hooking it up to a 12v supply and jumping the 2 hot posts.

[johnp900]

verify the battery terminals are connected correctly. positive to positive,

[Bill Kapaun]

I'd also make sure the battery is GOOD and CHARGED. Just because it's new....

Johnp may be on the right track though. On "some systems", connecting the battery wrong may cause other problems like blown charge diodes.

[Restrorob]

Originally Posted by Bill Kapaun

connecting the battery wrong may cause other problems like blown charge diodes.

And ignition coils, I've replaced my share after customers buy the reversed post battery from their favorite wally world.

[GravelyGuy]

Sorry, I just finally got the time to post. I feel like an idiot, you guys are right. The stupid Wal-Mart battery does have the post reversed. They even had the little protective boot over the neg. post.

Hopefully I didn't do any damage. Glad I didn't call the dealer

Thanks!!!