Chosen Solution
Simplicty consumer zero turn with 20hp Vangaurd. I replaced engine with identical engine from parts machine. starter has always clicked at the starter several times before cranking and starting. so I replaced starter with one from the blown engine. It does the same thing except now it is the solenoid that is clicking.
The solenoid will always “click”. That is what they do. It moves the pinion into the motor flywheel so the starter can turn it. It also connects the started to the battery. So, if the solenoid is clicking then it either isn’t pulling in far enough to engage the starter switch or the battery isn’t connected to the switch.
the low voltage wire creates a magnetic field kicking the starter gear in and….connects the contacts at the end of the solenoid at the two large bolts. after a lot of use the connector plate or bolt ends gets worn and wont make contact. removing the end of the solenoid and loosening the two bolts you can push them slightly out and rotate them 90 degrees too the unworn side of the contact bolt. the bolts are square on the inner end and inset to the cap. good luck
@moosecow I suggest you follow the trouble shooting from B&S and see what you come up with. Could be a bad solenoid could also be a starter issue. I’d hate to suggest something willy nilly that will just waste your time and money.
and here is the SM for the starter Vanguard Starter Repair
