Cranks twice and quits. How do I check the starter

starter solenoid is stuck and needs replaced

Confirm that the motor(engine) turns freely. Confirm that the PTO blades are not engaged. Confirm that the shift is in neutral.

Confirm that the starter solenoid has not corroded internally providing a low current to the starter. Jump the solenoid. Check for corroded battery connections.

See image using multi-meter check for voltage drop between battery and starter while cranking. Connect multi-meter directly on to the battery post and onto the stud of the starter. Less then a volt!! If not try jumping the starter and see if it cranks as expected.

Confirm that the battery voltage is above 9 volts DC when cranking. If below 9 the battery is weak.

Remove starter and turn by hand the shaft checking for lack of lubricant or excessive corrosion internal on the stater.and winding.

The starter would likely have dust and low lubricant before bearings wear. If you are not qualified to inspect starter check around for a local starter/generator repair business and see if they would service the starter. I expected that it can be cleaned, lubricated and returned to service for less than a replacement. Check online repair service or online rebuilt?

Hope this helps?

When was your valves adjusted last? If valves are out adjustment the compression doesn't release

IT cranks or it doesn't crank , which is it ?

Well, if you have a strong battery and you jump the solenoid and the starter cranks you might need a new solenoid. If you jump the solenoid and the starter does not crank you might need a starter. To make sure that the solenoid is at fault, use a test light with the clamp on the negative post and the probe on the small post while someone else turns the key to the crank position. if the light lights, but the starter does not engage then you need to change the solenoid. If the light does not light you will need to look to the ignition switch, or if it is standard, the clutch switch, or if it is automatic, the neutral safety switch.

Hi government32, seeing how you just installed a new battery I'll assume you cleaned all the connections. Not cranking at all sounds like 3 possibilities, Key switch, starter solenoid, or starter. Lets check starter first. Using a jumper cable, jump from positive battery post to starter motor (you'll see the connection on the motor where cable is connected,thats where you hook jumper), if it cranks the starter motor is ok. If it doesn't thats the problem. If it does crank check the starter solenoid, using a jumper cable jump across from side to side (the 2 big terminals). If it cranks now the solenoid is bad or the electrical connections are dirty. There are also 1 or 2 small connections on solenoid from the key switch, make sure they are clean. If these 2 components check out the key switch is bad or the connections on it are dirty. (its usually not the switch).Hope this helps you.

while you state the battery is "strong" what kind of voltage are you getting to the starter solenoid

If the starter or solenoid clicks but nothing else happens when you attempt to start the engine, there may not be enough amps to spin the starter. Or the starter may be bad. A poor battery cable, solenoid or ground connection, or high resistance in the solenoid itself may be the problem. A voltage check at the solenoid will reveal if battery voltage is passing through the ignition switch circuit. If the solenoid or relay is receiving battery voltage but is not closing or passing enough amps from the battery to spin the starter motor, the solenoid ground may be bad or the contacts in the solenoid may be worn, pitted or corroded. If the starter cranks when the solenoid is bypassed, a new solenoid is needed, not a starter. so first the voltage of the battery needs to be checked.the other things to be checked is starter and starter solenoid. Thanks. you can rate this solution and show your appreciation.

ignition relay if good ===ignition switch.

Check the main fuse in the box near the battery.