Johns Mountfield ride on Mower has been having starting problems. on To the Garage today we diagnose the problem even though the full fix eludes him for now.
Thanks for this. I'm having exactly the same problem on my 1530H model. What safety precaution did you take? Could you not have just jumpstarted it using the screwdriver method?
Its a really good machine and a good overall design. Execution is a little on the cheap side in places and as you say the connectors are probably the most obvious indicators of this
That's because crappy Mountfields have vents on top of the hood that let the rain in and corrode everything. Before you get any problems, unplug all the connectors and pack them with Vaseline or marine grade waterproof grease. Also undo any bolts that might get seized, apply copper grease, then re-torque them.
I had this problem but it turned out to be a dodgy ignition switch - in the start position. If you have any wisdom about how to sort out a Mountfield carburetor problem (at least that’s what I think it is) let me know. Starts fine but begins to backfire at higher revs and when the cutting deck is engaged, and then it cuts out. Fuel filter seems fine... air filter seems fine....
Often caused by dirty fuel, or leaving fuel in the tank/carb over winter. May need to remove the carb and clean the bowl and jets. Easy job. Getting more common with E5/E10 Ethanol fuel which absorbs water and leads to corrosion. To winterize, I turn off the fuel tap, unscrew the drain bolt under the carb bowl, then refit. Also drain the fuel tank and use the fuel in the car. Then fill mower with fresh fuel next season.
I'm.havimg same issue, it did start if I tapped The reverse pedal bit now nothing....sound like a flat battery when i try to start it now ...could this be the solenoid?
Any idea how to get the starter motor off to replace the brushes? It seems that you have to take the flywheel of to get to the bolts. But it's sized on because Mountfields have vents on the hood which let the rain into the engine. I hate Mountfields. Trying to fix my dad's. Mine's a Westwood. Proper workhorse.
Also worth checking the wiring loom further up the line. The splices inside the loom are prone to corrosion and shorting out. Had the same issue with my Honda gvc520 in a countax. It continued the fault after replacing terminals and solonoid. Then the loom shorted and started to burn and fried the dash board display. Repaired the loom and didn't worry about the display. Was fine for another few years until the Honda engine lost compression.
Thanks John, great job man :-) The ignition on mine is cranking it but that's about it. It did start and ride for about 10 metres then died. I'll check that damn solenoid lol, thanks for this :-)
Hi Phil, Sorry it's a bit late asking after 2 years, but did a new solenoid solve the problem ? Mine starts ok but as I release the key it stops again. All the best Duncan. Cornwall.
Nice video! I think I'm having that problem today too. First start of the year. I didn't think the sledge would be heavy enough to engage the sensors:)
Finally a video about English mountfield sit on lawnmowers. Fed up of sending it off to be fixed and costing us a fortune. As we have exactly the same problem. Now we can do it ourselves. Great video. Please post more about general maintenance with the mower. 👍🏻
I have just had the same problem. I held the mower on the handbrake, which I rarely do, whilst I opened the garage but couldn't then drive it in. Can't find the microswitch. Where is it at the front presumably?
Can the grass box be removed completely from this machine. I'm looking at buying one but wanted to know what size trailer I'd need. Thanks
Yes it can be lifted off. Mine has a little tow hitch exposed when the box is removed
This video was really helpful but I'd like to know how to remove the solenoid as it doesn't seem obvious. Any help would be welcomed, thanks.
Just remove 2 bolts. May need a socket set with an extension bar.
Thanks for this. I'm having exactly the same problem on my 1530H model.
What safety precaution did you take?
Could you not have just jumpstarted it using the screwdriver method?
charges did you manage sort yours i have similar issue with a 1530h
Just change solenoid 14 quid e bay
Cheers Derek
Thank you Sir, this seems to be the issue I am having today so I'll check and see what's going on.
Thank you so much for making this video. Great help. The problems with these machines always seem to be the connectors.
Its a really good machine and a good overall design. Execution is a little on the cheap side in places and as you say the connectors are probably the most obvious indicators of this
That's because crappy Mountfields have vents on top of the hood that let the rain in and corrode everything. Before you get any problems, unplug all the connectors and pack them with Vaseline or marine grade waterproof grease. Also undo any bolts that might get seized, apply copper grease, then re-torque them.
I had this problem but it turned out to be a dodgy ignition switch - in the start position. If you have any wisdom about how to sort out a Mountfield carburetor problem (at least that’s what I think it is) let me know. Starts fine but begins to backfire at higher revs and when the cutting deck is engaged, and then it cuts out. Fuel filter seems fine... air filter seems fine....
Hi Ted. Not had that issue. Sounds like it might be a bad plug lead or plug (which is good because they are cheap😁)
Often caused by dirty fuel, or leaving fuel in the tank/carb over winter. May need to remove the carb and clean the bowl and jets. Easy job. Getting more common with E5/E10 Ethanol fuel which absorbs water and leads to corrosion. To winterize, I turn off the fuel tap, unscrew the drain bolt under the carb bowl, then refit. Also drain the fuel tank and use the fuel in the car. Then fill mower with fresh fuel next season.
I'm having my castlegarden I started it and drove the blade for about a few minutes and then they stopped it a 140 botten for the blade s
Oh, the old solenoid. I cannot remember the number of times I have to change these on customers' mowers, especially at the start of the season.
Yes they are not the most reliable of devices
Thanks this helps me and save my club £750 for someone to fix it
No problem
Just having a similar problem with my 1538m, but mine stopped while I was moving 🤔
Excellent Video Sir, thank you.
So nice of you
I'm.havimg same issue, it did start if I tapped The reverse pedal bit now nothing....sound like a flat battery when i try to start it now ...could this be the solenoid?
Any idea how to get the starter motor off to replace the brushes? It seems that you have to take the flywheel of to get to the bolts. But it's sized on because Mountfields have vents on the hood which let the rain into the engine. I hate Mountfields. Trying to fix my dad's. Mine's a Westwood. Proper workhorse.
Great video. Really helpful. Going to try this tomorrow. Thanks
Good luck!
lifesaver good job
Thanks
Also worth checking the wiring loom further up the line. The splices inside the loom are prone to corrosion and shorting out. Had the same issue with my Honda gvc520 in a countax. It continued the fault after replacing terminals and solonoid. Then the loom shorted and started to burn and fried the dash board display. Repaired the loom and didn't worry about the display. Was fine for another few years until the Honda engine lost compression.
Thanks John, great job man :-) The ignition on mine is cranking it but that's about it. It did start and ride for about 10 metres then died. I'll check that damn solenoid lol, thanks for this :-)
I'd say the solenoid is only for starting it. If it goes at all it's probably something else
Hi Phil,
Sorry it's a bit late asking after 2 years, but did a new solenoid solve the problem ?
Mine starts ok but as I release the key it stops again.
All the best
Duncan.
Cornwall.
Nice video! I think I'm having that problem today too. First start of the year. I didn't think the sledge would be heavy enough to engage the sensors:)
Thanks for the great job u have save me some money and appreciations for the good explanations 🙏👌🇩🇰
So nice of you
Finally a video about English mountfield sit on lawnmowers. Fed up of sending it off to be fixed and costing us a fortune. As we have exactly the same problem. Now we can do it ourselves. Great video. Please post more about general maintenance with the mower. 👍🏻
Glad to help Kerry and I plan a review video soon to mark my 5 years with this mower
My MJ66 starts and runs fine but as soon as I select drive it cuts out, any Ideas welcome.
Mine does that because the handbrake is on. There is a microswitch that won't allow it to be in gear and running with the brakes on
I have just had the same problem. I held the mower on the handbrake, which I rarely do, whilst I opened the garage but couldn't then drive it in. Can't find the microswitch. Where is it at the front presumably?
Thanks to this video I've fixed the starting problem with my Mountfield. Thanks!