18HP BRIGGS STARTER PROBLEM

frank_f15 · Jul 27, 2005

I had this starte rebuilt 13 mo. ago, no problems till today, would not start just made grinding sound. so i proceeded to remove it AGAIN numerous covers, shrouds, air cleaner assembly etc. Finally got to where i could see the starter and the flywheel and ring gear, so fo the heck of it i hooked all the electrical connectons back up to see what was happening, and low and behold it clicked right in(cleaned all connections prior to this) started the tractor 3 or 4 times then it would not start, seems like the starter gear is not comming up far enough to engage the ring gear, any ideas on the problem? should i rebuild again or just buy a new motor? the Gt is 13 years old but runs great

Thomas · Jul 27, 2005

You may want to check the ground also.
GT..would that be Sears tractor?..if so they might still have parts..buy as you need.

frank_f15 · Jul 27, 2005

Right again Thomas it is a sears, and the parts are still easy to get. but that starter is common and parts can be had at any well stocked repair shop.

Thomas · Jul 28, 2005

I had to replace the starter on my 95 Sears 19hp this year and it was easy,just gotta take your time and find comfortable pail to set on...when the plastic gear got worn enough it became sloppy and would make lot of noise.

Just for giggles,does your model have some sort of micro swtich under the seat??..also when you try to start it are you useing the emgery brake??..for in the past those area have given me problem w/the wiring.

frank_f15 · Jul 28, 2005

I rplaced the plastic teeth last year, the current teet on the starter are a little worn, once i got all the covers off, and tried it, it looks like the motor is not throwing the starter teeth up far enough to engage the ring gear. the starter motor just makes a grinding sound with out engaging the ring gear.

ByronBob · Jul 28, 2005

When it's under no load does it grind? Is it possible the battery isn't strong enough to engage it all the way? While your doing all of this I'd possibly hook a charger up to the battery for a bit.

You could also pull the spark plug and try the starter to see if it engages all the way

slowrev · Jul 28, 2005

Sounds like the drive mechanism on the output end of the starter might be binding or worn. A little bit of lube on it might help.
Or it might need replacing. A weak battery, bad connections could also be suspect. Causing the starter to not have enough power to fully engage the drive mechanism.
Ben

Nasty135 · Jul 28, 2005

Frank, I had a problem with symptoms as you have described about a month ago and mine turned out to be a weak battery, just charged it up and it was fine ,but 3 months earlier I had to replaced the starter gear assembly(it just basically fell apart).

When I replaced the gear on the starter as I remember it slides up on the spiral shaft until it engages the flywheel. If you know your battery is good, then is something keeping it from sliding upward on the shaft ? (NOTE: disconnect battery first) See if you can manually lift the gear up into the flywheel teeth.. Don't force it with any tools just using your fingers..
The starter gear arrangement leaves alot to be desired...If the gear is nylon it could have a burr somewhere causing it to stop sliding up on the shaft or something blocking the gear return spring at the end of the shaft. Thats about all I can think of at the moment /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

The only other thing would be the starter is worn out and doesn't have enough power to spin up against the resistance of the flywheel. (this one is less likely)

I just did this not too long ago,so maybe this will help...

frank_f15 · Jul 28, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Sounds like the drive mechanism on the output end of the starter might be binding or worn. A little bit of lube on it might help.
)</font>

You hit the nail right on the head, the spiral shaft was worn which caused the gear to wear, causing the gear to hang up before engaging. $18 worth of parts and a few hrs work , back togeter and working like new. Thanks guys