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I have a '76 Onan engine in my lawn tractor. I thought the battery was dead when it would not start, and I replaced the battery. There is no response at all when the switch is turned to start. The bendix does not kick in, nothing. Could it be the starter or the solenoid? Any help at all would be appreciated. In advance thank-you!
Optional Information: Make: 76 sears Model: Onan BF engine
Welcome to JUST ANSWER small engines, let me try to help you !!
The unit should have a single ignition fuse in the wire from the starter solenoid, back to the key switch. Is this fuse good and making contact?
yes i checked the fuse it is 30 amp an is good
Do you have a voltmeter or test light to check for power at the key switch? Is key switch putting power to the starter solenoid when key is turned to start?
yes
If power is getting to the solenoid, the solenoid could be bad. when did you last have it running?
about a month ago
What kind of safety switches are on the unit? Seat, brake, neutral?
all safety switches have been disconnected
9i got it that way
i had the same problem last year and replaced the starter, could it be the starter again?
Just simple system then, check for power at the key switch. Then, check power to the solenoid.
Is the solenoid part of the starter or a separate relay?
separate
Jump the solenoid and see if the starter turns. That will check the battery, cables and starter.
just bypass the solenoid
Basicly, yes.
ok thanks will give that a try
if starter tuyrns it is solenoid if not then starter
could the solenoid fail to function and then function for a short time later?
If the starter turns the engine, the solenoid still needs to have power form the key switch before replacing.
solenoid can be spuratic
i suspect it is solenoid
I can change to question and answer ans you can check it out and let me know.
you can then get back through your email.
ok
Experience: have worked on and around most engine models for 35 yrs./Polaris ATV expert
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Curtis the problem was neither the starter or the solenoid. It was thewire connection into the keyed switch. The wires were all dirty and the plug that plugs into the key switch was nasty. I cleaned it up and it workedperfectly.Thanks,Bob
Good job! No power to the solenoid! Thank you!