Need help with an old zero turn

[Olustee bus]

this is a 50+ inch, bobcat t3100, kohler 20 horsepower. Been having problems with batteries and solenoid. I replaced battery with a 32 amp hour battery, it came with a 25 amp battery. I replaced solenoid and finally got it to where it will turn over.

Wired the solenoid according to diagram. It turns over but the battery slows down very quickly. I put an inductive timing light on it and it is getting fire but will not start.

I think it would start if I could get it to turn over more. Probably the compression is very low

Will it hurt anything if i put a battery booster on it to help the battery?

Thanks.

[Bill]

Is the starter dragging? Get a wrench or hammer and whack the starter while trying to start it. Even if it fails to start, at least you'll be able to vent some of your frustration.....very cathartic.

[JRD77VET]

One wire at a time, clean the connections. If you don't have good ground, it can't spin fast enough to get it started.

Clean and bright on all engine, chassis and battery grounds plus positive wires too. ( make sure the ground is off the battery when doing the positive wires and unless you like sparks and getting shocked) :D

[Grey Ghost]

I was having a similar problem with my old truck. New battery,cleaned all connections, grounds, etc....I took the starter off and disassembled it. Cleaned the crap off the armature, etc...took it to auto parts store for free testing...it passed. Put it back on the truck and still the same problem. Started chasing my tail with internet ideas...fused connections...ignition switch, etc...took the starter back off and carried it to a different store for free testing...it failed. Replaced with a new one and solenoid. Surprising how fast it would turn over and start with the new one.

You can try removing your starter, disassembly, and cleaning it. If it's 12v. you can hook a battery charger to it and see if it spins fast enough.

You can even try jump starting it from a good car battery.

Does it have an electric PTO?

[Olustee bus]

I am thinking now that the starter may be a problem. I will take it off and check it out. Thanks to all.