LT 15

[spschmidt]

I have a 9 yr old LT 15 with the 15 hp Kohler engine.  Recently, the electric start key fails to connect with the starter and nothing happens.  Several attempts later it may connect and the engine starts and runs fine. 
Best guess as to the fix? 
Steve

[r.man]

Steve, when you say nothing happens do you me no large click or no starter turning over? If there is no noise at all I would clean the battery terminals first and then would remove and reseat the small wire on the starter solenoid. In general problems like that show signs of corrosion or heat that make them noticeable. Most times cleaning and tightening the appropriate connections will fix an intermittent problem.

[bandmiller2]

Steve its not uncommon for a ingnition/start switch to be intermittant.Get a cheap test light and trace your power from battery to switch to starter.Its almost always something simple,as stated battery connections are a good place to start.Frank C.

[Bibbyman]

Welcome to the Forum  !   8)

Well,  make that a late welcome.  Says you've been a member since July, 2006.  But this is your first post?

[Tom]

It's also not uncommon for the ignition switches to give up.  Most are generic and readily available at an auto-parts house.  be sure that you write down which wire(s) go to which terminals.  It'll save you a lot of grief.  Disconnect the battery and Check for loose connections behind the switch.

I used to keep a spare ignition switch in my spare parts on the truck.

[Bibbyman]

  be sure that you write down which wire(s) go to which terminals. 

I used to keep a spare ignition switch in my spare parts on the truck.

When at all possible,  I transfer one wire at a time from one switch to the other.  If it's more complicated than that,  I take a picture or make a wiring diagram before removing and or label the wires.

We bought our mill new in 2002.  Soon after we bought a complete set of all the switches and small components.  Just the other day it paid off again when we had to replace a toggle switch.  Small item that may have been found locally but we had it and we were back in business in 15 minutes.

[Chuck White]

Bibby's right on target!
Keep a small inventory of common items on hand, that seem to wear out just when you're at your busiest!

[terrifictimbersllc]

Keep your little parts in one of these, they're the best: http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-014725R-25-Removable-Compartment-Professional/dp/B00005QWYF