Case 448, 18 hp Onan, needs new starter.

[Dozernut]

phillipm

I don't know if this will match up, but it might be worth checking out. The price is right!

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2003042008433932&item=10-1386&catname=engines

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Latest chapter on my starter problem goes like this: Took 4 hrs. of sweat, skinned knuckles, and frustrations just to get to the two starter bolts that hold the starter on. Had to remove the cowl, all the air blower covers, hydraulic cooler, exhaust manifolds loose, the fan, the attachment drive clutch assembly(which is about million spacers, washers, and springs), all the way down to the flywheel itself, to get access to the starter bolts. Used every known tool I had and I doubt if I can ever can all the parts back to where they came from. Took the starter to an independent rebuild shop. They took it apart and found that a brush had broken loose, fell down into an armature wire, cut the wire, and shorted out against case. They called Memphis and think they found the right armature and brushes to rebuild the starter. Parts should be in on Monday and ready for me to pick-up that afternoon. Rebuild price will be in the $65.00 range which is a whole lot better than the new price of $355.00 that Case quoted me. I just hope I can get all the parts back in the correct order and get the clutch assembly adjusted properly. This is all a learning experience for me and I'm 57 yrs. old! Thanks again for everyones help and advice. This was my first post to Tractorbynet and it's been a very pleasurable experience. You've got some real fine participants on this site!

 

[Will_C]

Paul; I am suprised to hear that your tractors are Kohler powered. Both the 444 (14hp single cylinder) and the 448 (18hp twin) that we had were Onan powered.
Will

 

[hfd376]

Hey, thats great! Glad it only cost a little flesh and not an arm and leg! I never would have guessed that from the symtoms tho.

Doug

 

[bartman]

Let us know when you get it back together

A neighbor of mine is supposedly selling a 400 series Case, I may want to pick it up for trimming $ 1000 new blades / rebuilt motor last year

Bartman

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I am making progress in the reassembly. Spent 2 hrs. on it this afternoon and got the starter back on and tested it. Flywheel turns over perfectly with the rebuilt starter. Still have all the blower cage, clutch for the mower, cover, etc. to get back together but at least I know the starter works. This Case 448 is built like a little tank. If you have the chance to buy one I think you'll be pleased with it. One downside is that Case parts(belts, blades. filters, etc.) always cost about 3 times as much as other comparable parts would cost. I'll let you know when, and if, I successfully get it reassembled.

 

[s1120]

<font color="red"> One downside is that Case parts(belts, blades. filters, etc.) always cost about 3 times as much as other comparable parts would cost. I'll let you know when, and if, I successfully get it reassembled.
</font>

Thats true, but a lot of the stuff they used was standerd stuff. You can get it almost anywere if you do some digging. I usley spring for the oe stuff though. Gives me an excuse to go to the tractor store, and look at all the new stuff. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[s1120]

<font color="red"> Paul; I am suprised to hear that your tractors are Kohler powered. Both the 444 (14hp single cylinder </font>

I have never seen a Onon single cyl engine used in these tractors. All the singles I have seen have been Kohlors, but I guess someone may have swaped in an Onon on a few.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Final chapter to this starter problem. Finally got everything back together Sat. afternoon. Getting the clutch adjustment just right /forums/images/graemlins/smile.giffor the mower drive attachment was a real time consuming pain in the butt. Starter works great and I'm back to mowing. Thanks for everyones advice and input. Now I'm gonna sit back, relax, and drink a cold Bud.