DIYbanter - View Single Post - Honda HT-R 3009 Mower starter

HeyBub

wrote:
The only problem was that I coudl only find one place on the web that
sells a starter for this mower, and its $329. However, on the same
webpage they had a "Starter Soleniod" for $55.20. I guess I'm
confused as to the difference between the "motor" and the
"solenoid".

The solenoid (you have one on your car and air conditioner, too) is a relay.
A small current from the starter button energizes it and it closes. The
solenoid then directs the heavy current flow from the battery to the starter
motor.

This little trick is used to allow a one-amp current to control a 100-amp
power flow.

An automotive solenoid (and probably the one for your mower) is a cylinder
of coiled wire with a plunger inside. When energized, the coil acts like a
magnet, yanking the plunger into the coil. One end of the plunger completes
the high-amp circuit. Sometimes the solenoid also moves the starter's gear
forward to engage the engine's flywheel. There are at least a couple of
things that can go wrong with this type of solenoid.

First, the plunger may be corroded or dirty, preventing it from traveling
the full distance necessary to close the switch part of the operation.
Second, the switch part may be corroded or pitted preventing adequate
current flow.

Pull the starter motor. Take it to an auto parts store. They will test it
for free. If you're lucky, the solenoid can be replaced with an automotive
variety for $5.00.