Kohler 25 PRO - Starter Spins But No Start

[HillStreet]

My buddy called me today. Sears lawn tractor with Kohler 25 Pro. He turns the key and hears the starter spin but the tractor won't start.

He took off the shroud cover and can see the cog gear pop up to engage the flywheel, and the starter sounds like it's spinning but the cog gear won't spin.

The engine is not seized as he can turn the flywheel with a tool.

Does anyone know how the starter is made? He seems to think that the starter turns but somehow the shaft that is connected to the cog gear separated from the internal starter mechanism. He does not see a key way or roll pin but has not completely disassembled the starter to view the lower end.

Any ideas? We're also wondering if this is a repair or replace item (new or used parts). Thanks.

 

[greggn]

Try cleaning the bendix drive ( gear end of the starter) and lubricate with a DRY graphite spray such as Liquid Wrench | Products not oil or grease as they will attract dust.

 

[HillStreet]

My buddy called me today. Sears lawn tractor with Kohler 25 Pro. He turns the key and hears the starter spin but the tractor won't start.

He took off the shroud cover and can see the cog gear pop up to engage the flywheel, and the starter sounds like it's spinning but the cog gear won't spin.

The engine is not seized as he can turn the flywheel with a tool.

Does anyone know how the starter is made? He seems to think that the starter turns but somehow the shaft that is connected to the cog gear separated from the internal starter mechanism. He does not see a key way or roll pin but has not completely disassembled the starter to view the lower end.

Any ideas? We're also wondering if this is a repair or replace item (new or used parts). Thanks.

UPDATE: Talked to my buddy by phone today. He bought a new starter and installed it--- same symptoms and he was really pulling his hair out to get this tractor running again.

He told me that this whole issue started when he installed a new battery. During our conversation, after running out of ideas, I asked him if he was absolutely sure that he had battery polarity correct.

Ahem, he had the battery installed backwards. He did not check the + or - poles, he just installed the new one as it fit just like the old one.

Actually, when I bought a new battery last year the clerk asked me if it was a "left" or "right" oriented battery (which side the positive terminal was oriented on the case). I did not know there was such a thing until I bought that battery last year. Hmmm, he switched the wires and it started right up.