Starter not engaging flywheel?

[Mike1955]

I replaced the starter on my John Deere and found the flywheel gears / teeth on the tractor were impacted with dirt /dust. It was so deep and engrained that the starter gear could only engage about 1/2 the depth it should. I ended up gouging out impacted dirt with a sharp pick and screwdriver. I would clean a few teach then pry the flywheel ahead with a pry bar. Then clean the next few. It was a slow task but made a big difference on how the starter sounded and worked after the dentistry work was done.

That’s what it takes. Eyes wide open and fine out the problem then roll up your sleeves and work on it. Ivy heard that persistence is better than genius. I believe it sir

 

[PoppaRob]

Update: returned the part to rareelectronics. Instead of issuing a replacement they told me that pending testing and return to their warehouse, they would issue a refund.

I ordered one from another vendor ($50 cheaper!) and installed it this morning. Works fine! I am a happy camper with a 10 inch lawn!

So to those who felt it was a bendix issue, you take home the prize.

Thank you to everyone for your insight. I learned more than i wanted!

Rob

 

[ruffdog]

Glad it is up and running for you!

 

[Mike1955]

Glad it is up and running for you!

Do you claim the prize?

 

[ruffdog]

Do you claim the prize?

Nope....just glad it is fixed.

 

[bigtiller]

Do you claim the prize?

I think Alex in post #21 is the prize winner for the first to say Bendix.

 

[alexpops]

LOL ... I donate the prize to the one that solves the next tractor related problem. Glad it's fixed & everyone have a good weekend.

 

[PoppaRob]

Question: Did you get a complete starter and solenoid or are you using your old solenoid?

Complete...

 

[PoppaRob]

Since we don’t know the history of the machine, it is likely some flattened teeth in a couple spots since engines stop in the same locations. The teeth could be damaged from previous starters and it wasn’t addressed soon enough. Like others said rotate and inspect the entire flywheel and maybe you can file any bad areas to closely match the good areas.

flywheel looked good. No worn spots at all.