Bad starter? Grabbing thoughts before ordering

drunderw · Jul 6, 2018

Hey guys.

I hope everyone had a nice 4th! I put a new solenoid on my starter and although it痴 starting about every third attempt I get the free-wheeling whir sound only

video: Yanmar Tractor Starter Noise - YouTube

Is this indicative of my starter going bad? If so I知 going to grab one of the gear reduction ones from Hoye.

Thanks!

PILOON · Jul 6, 2018

It might also be battery oriented, takes lots of oomph to fling that gear out to engage the flywheel.
Also dry old lubricant on the Bendix can inhibit a good fling, in fact I think dry is better than oiled in this case.

newbury · Jul 6, 2018

Yup, get the battery load tested properly. My M4700 had the same symptoms, battery appeared to take a charge. Took the battery in to NAPA, the guy load tested it 3 times, it failed twice. New battery and it's started like a top ever since.

drunderw · Jul 6, 2018

Hi- thanks for the replies. I have a new Interstate battery tested there and verified at Autozone back when I was having electrical issues which ended up being the cables from the battery to the starter. Those are all new as well.

winston1 · Jul 6, 2018

Battery sounds strong to me. All the teeth on your flywheel ring gear? I think I would pull it, bench test it, inspect flywheel, etc.

flyerdan · Jul 6, 2018

Sounds like a bendix issue. Take it apart, clean the engaging parts in the parts washer and spray with a moly lubricant like Dri-Slide that won't attract gunk. And brighten up any electrical contacts with some emery cloth while everything's apart.

clemsonfor · Jul 6, 2018

And one thing, if you live near a bigger city they usually still have starter/alternator shops. They can probably rebuild your original for $50 give or take and usually get it back to you in a day or two at most. Some shops can do it that day if not backed up and you ask.

careyo63 · Jul 7, 2018

Yup! I agree Clemsonfor. Mine went Dead in 2011. It wouldn't do any thing. Zilch,Nothing and I mean Nodda _ _ mn thing. I had a local Auto Elec. shop repair it. 72$ and some change. Haven't had the first complaint and I use it a lot.

drunderw · Jul 7, 2018

Sweet, awesome idea. I found a place in Greenville that has good reviews so I値l pull it this weekend and take it with me to work Monday to drop it off. Thanks- I値l post an update when I get it back and let you all know what they said and how it goes.

rScotty · Jul 7, 2018

careyo63 said:
Yup! I agree Clemsonfor. Mine went Dead in 2011. It wouldn't do any thing. Zilch,Nothing and I mean Nodda _ _ mn thing. I had a local Auto Elec. shop repair it. 72$ and some change. Haven't had the first complaint and I use it a lot.

When I had my repair shop I always liked to see starters come in. One of the nice things is that they are small, clean, and most of the time it is the customers who take them off and put them back on. Starters themselves come apart with only a couple of bolts and don't have any gaskets. Most of the problems with starters turn out to be mechanical - like brushes and contacts - rather than electrical failures.

As for repair, not much goes wrong with a starter that can't be fixed inexpensively. Lots can be done right now with nothing more than disassembly, a few universal parts, and good re-assembly.

Starters and carburetors are all a good way for a shop owner to make a hundred bucks after dinner when nobody is in the shop. Generators can be harder.
Little jobs like that are what keep the doors open.
rScotty