Riding lawnmower, what is binding

Factual Questions
1

When I try to start my riding lawnmower it frequently will not start. I thought it was the battery, but after going through two of them, I discovered that if I move the motor by had one turn it starts right away. What is probably binding, and how should I fix it. It is a toro 42 inch riding mower.

2

By motor, do you mean the starter motor which turns the engine to start same, or do you mean the tractor engine? Two batteries in what span of time? Were they both new-were either allowed to deep discharge and remain that way?

3

Could be anything from a misaligned starter bendix to worn or damaged output shaft bearings. About all you can do is tear it down bit by bit until you find the problem. Maybe if you can provide a few more details (such as the questions posted above), we can get a bit closer to the problem. Some more questions: by “not start” do you mean it turns over but doesn’t catch or the starter won’t even crank? Does it make any unusual noises when trying to start it?

4

Sorry. By motor I mean I open the hood and turn the visible upper part of the motor by hand one turn. I embarassed to admit it that by misdiagnosing I have replaced the two batteries withing a three month period. One thing that confused me is that each time I replaced the battery it would start right up, for the first time only. After that, when I turned the key, I could hear the motor try to turn, with a short little “growl.” Sometimes on the second attempt it would start. I thought there was some low voltage drain that had weakened the batteries. After I mowed the lawn last week, I disconnected the battery and then when I reconnected it would not work, until I turned the motor by hand, and it started right up.

5

Also, for what it is worth, the mower is but 1 year old.

6

Sounds like the problem isn’t with the battery or the engine, but the charging circuit is hosed. Also, check to make sure there isn’t something drawing the battery down in between uses. That could all but kill the battery, and the tractor charger isn’t meant to bring it up to full voltage from deep discharge.