[Fantastic11]

So my Z425 will only start by jumping the starter solenoid. After that, it runs great. If you try starting it with the key switch, it cranks the motor, but makes a weird "Brrrr" noise as its spinning and won't ever start the engine. Its sending 12 volts to the solenoid like it should when you turn the key to start position, so I'm assuming there is some sort of safety mechanism that's preventing it from starting but I'm not sure. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[ddinham]

I don't believe it is a safety switch as they generally do not allow the engine to turn over at all. It sounds like the engine is not getting current from the starter switch or maybe a solenoid. That starter solenoid sounds like it is bad.

Dave

 

[Fantastic11]

I don't believe it is a safety switch as they generally do not allow the engine to turn over at all. It sounds like the engine is not getting current from the starter switch or maybe a solenoid. That starter solenoid sounds like it is bad.

Dave

Sorry, I forgot to mention that the Solenoid is good. I put a new one in it thinking that was the problem without checking anything. Didn't fix it, so I tested them both, and they were both good.

 

[Fantastic11]

The thing I keep thinking is there has to be something else going on when the key is turned to the start position that it preventing it from starting. I just can't find anything when I follow the wires around. I wish I had a wiring diagram for this thing.

 

[kbeaag]

I don't believe it is a safety switch as they generally do not allow the engine to turn over at all. It sounds like the engine is not getting current from the starter switch or maybe a solenoid. That starter solenoid sounds like it is bad.

Dave

Oh Yes!. That old problem where 12 volts just spiking the starter solenoid. Reminds me of a 1960 Chev. truck starter solenoid. Copper contacts need replacing.
So, remove the starter solenoid... probably starter and solenoid is in one unit. Also, you need to look at the cable from battery to solenoid for corrosion.

 

[Fantastic11]

Oh Yes!. That old problem where 12 volts just spiking the starter solenoid. Reminds me of a 1960 Chev. truck starter solenoid. Copper contacts need replacing.
So, remove the starter solenoid... probably starter and solenoid is in one unit. Also, you need to look at the cable from battery to solenoid for corrosion.

Solenoid is good, and the wire is good because I'm jumping the solenoid by just connecting the two posts on the solenoid. Just to make sure I wasn't crazy, I even sent 12v to the solenoid pins (the ones that connect to the key switch) as well and it starts right up as well.

 

[ddinham]

Everything starts with the ignition key. Then it should go to the starter solenoid. Obviously the engine can get current, so go back to square one and that is the ignition key. Follow the current path until it breaks. I am curious. When you jump the starter solenoid, is the ignition key in the "run" position or "off position"?

Solenoid is good, and the wire is good because I'm jumping the solenoid by just connecting the two posts on the solenoid. Just to make sure I wasn't crazy, I even sent 12v to the solenoid pins (the ones that connect to the key switch) as well and it starts right up as well.

There is your break I mentioned. The solenoid is not getting current from the starter switch. With your multimeter on the starter switch, does it send current to the solenoid? Does it send current to the ignition? Probably easiest to just replace the starter switch.

Dave

 

[Fantastic11]

Everything starts with the ignition key. Then it should go to the starter solenoid. Obviously the engine can get current, so go back to square one and that is the ignition key. Follow the current path until it breaks. I am curious. When you jump the starter solenoid, is the ignition key in the "run" position or "off position"? There is your break I mentioned. The solenoid is not getting current from the starter switch. With your multimeter on the starter switch, does it send current to the solenoid? Does it send current to the ignition? Probably easiest to just replace the starter switch.

Dave

Like I mentioned in the first post, the starter solenoid is getting current when the key is turned to the start position like it should. I've only tried jumping the solenoid with the key in the run position, nothing else.

 

[kamesama980]

Have you checked if the ignition coil is getting 12v with the key in the start position? engine needs air, fuel, and spark... air and fuel are independent of the key because carb.