Kohler Magnum will not start

[mikefrommichigan]

Hi every one, I am new here but have been reading these threads and this seems to be a great site for tractor help.
I have a Snapper tractor with a Kohler Magnum M18. It has been working great until a few days a go. When I turn the key the starter spins but does engage the flywheel. I am guessing that the starter needs looking at. I looked in the service manual, which I have, to see how to remove the starter, but it did not say. It described how to service the starter but not how to remove it. It also stated not to hit the starter with a hammer. I'm a novice when it comes to engines,so any help on what the problem might be and how to fix it would be great. Thanks

 

[mad_planter]

Here is a site with service manuals for Magnums:

Kohler Manuals

If this link doesn't work out, I'm sure googling Kohler Magnum service manual should find another. Typically removing a starter is pretty simple. Sounds like the gear isn't spinning out to the end of its shaft on the starter, or the teeth are gone. Should just be able to replace that part.

Mark D.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I have the 25 Hp Kohler engine. If your starter is like mine it is two bolts. Disconnect the battery first. If you remove the wires on the starter watch so that you don't spin the bolt on the solenoid. Mine would start and shut down. Right by the starter is a yellow fuse holder with a 30 amp fuse inside. You might take off your starter and see if the shaft with the gear is gummed up. Hose it out with WD-40 or something. Also make sure your fuse isn't blown. I found out that inside the flywheel are magnets. One of those magnets came off inside the flywheel and damaged the stator for the charging system. The flywheel, new stator and labor was about $600.

 

[mikefrommichigan]

Thanks for the info. I will get to checking it at the weekend, and will probably remove the starter to bench test it and maybe even overhaul it if necessary.

 

[Jim Thompson]

If I recall correctly, on the Magnum series twins, you must first remove the blower housing and then remove the two nuts that hold the starter. The blower housing is attached with probably 6 or 8, 1/4-20 bolts. Pretty straight forward, just take your time. Always remember to remove the battery ground before servicing electrical components.

To repair the starter, you may need to replace the starter drive. If you're lucky, you may be able to clean the shaft to correct the problem. If you attempt to lubricate the shaft, under no circumstances should you get lubricant on the rubber portion of the drive.

Jim

 

[Kernopelli]

I am unfortunately becoming too familiar with some of the Kohler line. Kohler does have free service manuals and some of their authorized dealers have them linked from their websites. They are very thorough and a great resource, section 8 is usually electrical (in the twins manuals anyway..don't ask how I know)and will give a complete breakdown on the starter.
Free Kohler Service Manual Downloads : Kohler Engines and Kohler Engine Parts Store, Genuine Kohler Engine Parts

 

[randle62rt1]

i have a wheel horse with a kohler engine and when i try to start it, the starter just spins and wont start
please help

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Is it spinning the engine over or just spinning the starter and not engaging the ring gear?. Are the teeth on the starter pall and ring gear in decent shape. Has the engine been sitting for awhile and seized up possibly?