Ya charge up battery good and strong. I have seen starters start acting up a sign could be wearing out. If you can check wiring and just make sure nothing getting pinched or worn through any where also.

 

Replace the relay

 

Relay under the dash with key and pto switch.

 

Ed, as was suggested, ensure that the battery is up to snuff and that all connections are good. Dont forget to ensure thst you have a good ground. If the battery and connections checks out, you have a solenoid problem. I believe you have a solenoid shift starter where the solenoid is mounted directly to the starter. If you hear the solenoid operating, the trigger wire is providing power (so the relay is good as is the key switch) and is pulling in the solenoid coil but the contact disc within the solenoid is pitted. The contact disc is what transfers power from the heavy wire on the solenoid to the starter motor. Each time you try it, the disc hits a different point and sometimes may work. You said when the starter works it has strong rotation so there is nothing wrong with the brushes.

 

I think you may be exactly correct.......I never understood how voltage got turned up to the brushes to rotate the stator. That surface (contact disc) is apparently inside the solenoid case?? The plastic part on the end...that can't be taken apart.

You are the first person that has ever explained that on lawnsite...I will have to replace the starter(with cheap China junk)that solenoid cost is high.

 

I had the exact same problem with both my turf tigers after them sitting for over 5 years. Replaced the battery checked all grounds and make sure no broken wires or corrosion and it fixed the problem. I have a video on my youtube of this happening aswell if youd like to see it.

 

Pictures are great. Check this link out
https://startersolenoid.net/starter-solenoid/

 

Pictures are great. Check this link out
https://startersolenoid.net/starter-solenoid/

How funny is that walker me and a couple my buddies get our starters there to

 

Might be something as easy as installing a starter assist relay, similar to the ones JD puts on their machines. PM me for some more info and a schematic.

 

I opened a coil and this is what the contact surfaces look like. These are surfaces that switch the voltage from battery to starter rotor windings.

Usually it is the plunger that don't operate ......not a contact surface problem.

I don't think I will replace my Turf Tiger starter ...just keep running it as long as it works. I am going to install a remote switch to jumper those leads. Probably just use an old coil

 

Probably just use an old coil

Ign coil? Hows that gunna work?

 

I can hear the solenoid operating

Betting by a click.

Usually it is the plunger that don't operate ......not a contact surface problem.

Hummmm not a contact surface problem huh?.

 

I don't think I am following what you are planning to do. Is this it in a nutshell?

Hook a wire to the +12v battery, have a switch or push button momendary switch, and have another wire going to the small terminal on the solenoid? If that is the synopsis of your plan, drop me a PM with your email address and I will send you a schematic for doing just that but you won't be bypassing any safeties. It'll give a clean boost of 12v to the small terminal on the solenoid, thus over-riding voltage loss from passing thru the safeties/corroded connections, etc.

 

I don't think I am following what you are planning to do. Is this it in a nutshell?

Hook a wire to the +12v battery, have a switch or push button momendary switch, and have another wire going to the small terminal on the solenoid? If that is the synopsis of your plan, drop me a PM with your email address and I will send you a schematic for doing just that but you won't be bypassing any safeties. It'll give a clean boost of 12v to the small terminal on the solenoid, thus over-riding voltage loss from passing thru the safeties/corroded connections, etc.

I am just kidding a little......but it would be easy to put a solenoid in parallel with the one on the starter. Simply run heavy wire from the two lugs on starter solenoid. Then you would have a push button starter instead of key switch. I am interested in circuit to bypass safety switches in emergency.

 

Replace the relay

New relay did not fix the problem as expected. Contacts at the tail end of the solenoid failing.

 

Usually it is the plunger that don't operate ......not a contact surface problem.

really

Contacts at the tail end of the solenoid failing.

really? Double talking?

 

So do you have everything back together? If you put 12v on the SMALL terminal on the solenoid, does the starter turn? If so, a starter assist should fix your problem.

 

This will fix problem...

 

This will likely as well.

 

Brad, if you go to the link provided below and review any Turf Tiger wiring diagram, you will see that a starter relay is already a component of the Scag mower wiring harness. In addition, Ed stated that he changed the relay and the outcome was the same.
https://www.scag.com/OPManuals/STT/STTOPMANTOC.html

 

I have learned that these old turf tigers can have a significant power loss in the starter circuit. You can measure 12 volts at the starter lug when actuated but the starter don 't turn. The contact in the back end of the solenoid just doesn't make. You can replace the starter switch, PTO switch, the relay, all four interlock switches and interlock module and it works. Plus ensuring grounds and cleaning up connectors.

Instead of monkeying around with all that stuff above I just installed a push button($8). Turn key on push this button. I ran a wire from the lug on the starter (where red voltage from battery connects) to my push button then back to the solenoid lug(blue) on the starter. The Push button is mounted in the cup holder.

 

have learned that these old turf tigers can have a significant power loss in the starter circuit.

There's probably a reason fot it,,,,but since you don't diagnosis these issues, just bypass all the safety devices and give it back to the crews right....nothing like lawsuit waiting to happen.

 

A starter assist relay (which does NOT bypass any safety switches @ $15) would accomplish the same result and less chance of injury

 

I have all safety switches working with this but I agree that a starter assist relay would be better. Tell me part number and wiring diagram!

 

Drop me a PM and I will send you the schematic. Also, another gent on here installed on as per:

https://www.lawnsite.com/threads/husqvarna-pzt60-start-click-problems.489902/page-7#post-6275191

Found it very helpful.

A 4 (or 5 will work) pole accessory relay will fix you up, 30 or 40 amp. Probably should use a fused lead. Easy install. You should be able to get one local for 10-20$, but don't pay more than that.

 

 

The unit starts but I have to turn the key a couple times. I can hear the solenoid operating but no rotation. When it does operate it is a strong rotation. Removed the starter cleaned it up brushes look good. Connectors all seem okay. I thought it was starter but NOT. Battery a year old so I will put battery booster on tomorrow to see if that changes anything. I kinda discounted starter switch since I can hear solenoid operating.

Question: Is there a relay somewhere...see Amazon search below. Any suggestions?

View attachment 374192

Since the unit is 5 years old I plan to replace switch and PTO...Engine Briggs Vanguard 613477-2186-G1

And the price from DB is low..........good recommendation

View attachment 374226

In a pinch you can try setting brake and dismounting. Just take you hand and try to spin the top of the file wheel while turning the ignition - giving the starter a little help to get going. Once it starts climb back on and you are good to go.

 

It is a simple case of 12volts not being put to the starter winding. My solution described above is a solid fix. Camm

View attachment 407566

Scag Turf Tiger utilizes a relay but still fails. My fix(push button)works perfect and all interlocking still in place.