[lowendbass]

My 420 has been getting more and more difficult to engage the starter. I have the improvement kit that I plan to install at some point but, I think I have to pull the motor and I don't have time for that now. Is there a way to bypass the safety switches and get power to the starter? On simpler machines i would just jump the coil. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[woodpecker41]

It is against forum rules to tell anyone how to by
pass safety devices. The liability is huge. Roger

 

[knottyrope]

starter improvement kit is a relay and you don't have to pull the motor

are you sure your battery terminals are ok? lead corrosion is clear and I usually scrape with a knife a new surface or replace them. also scrape battery posts too.

what voltage is your battery and what voltage is it when cranking engine?

is the starter slowly turning or not catching fly wheel?

 

[lowendbass]

Thanks Knotty, that's a great, simple idea. Will check that out and then check battery voltage if it doesn't do the trick.

The starter isn't turning at all. I used to have to bump the key 10 times or so to get it to engage. Now, it won't engage after 100 bumps.

Glad to hear that pulling the motor isn't required to install the improvement kit!

Sorry for posting the question, Roger.

 

[420glh]

Before my repower was finished I used a screwdriver to jump the main power wire to the starter solenoid, like folks do on everything from lawnmowers to old cars. I never had an Onan though, are they close enough you can try that? Sounds like a work out ignition, have you tested it to make sure you have continuity on the switch contacts?

 

[knottyrope]

if its taking 100 bumps of the key just to get it turning then you might have a solenoid issue and that will require a motor pull to repair it.

When I have poor battery connections mine with do the similar as there is not enough current to drive the solenoid to engage the starter.

doing the tests above can help eliminate the cause.

 

[shadetree]

Mr Rope

I have a mail/female battery brush kit I bought at an auto parts store that does a nice job of keeping the battery connections clean.

 

[knottyrope]

I have used the brush thing too but it don't get it clean enough at times. you can twist it 20 time and scraping with a knife will be better on an older battery to remove the corrosion.

I had many issues with my 84 420 since it sat 7 years outside before I got it in 2003