while mowing last, a couple of times the mower cut out (almost died) while mowing but then would re-start in a sense and one time quit completely but re-started immediately. Then when i shut off to go to backyard, the mower would only click-click when trying to start (clicks seemed to be coming from starter). I tightened the battery connections to no avail. I metered the battery at cables just off battery terminals and got 12+ volts so assumed good connection there. I pulled the starter/solenoid, but wondering if there is a way to check starter/solenoid for problems before reinstalling? Mower is a JD hydro 185. Thanks for any help!!!

Marcus, July 2009

A couple of things to check - first, the battery voltage needs to be around 14v with the engine running. The clicking noise could be coming from the solenoid or the starter, so try to identify which....the starter gear is a plastic thing, the teeth of which wear away after a while, but if its the solenoid thats producing the noise this often indicates a poor battery.

John, July 2009