More on JD316 with Onan

[Ortis]

I have had starter problems with this thing since it was new. The starter gear did not fully engage and chewed up the ring gear. JD sold me a kit consisting of a relay to help get current to the solenoid for better pull in. Helped a little. I bypassed some of the circuitry in series with the starter. That helped a bit more. I have had to replace the starter twice and the ring gear once. Is my experience common or did I get a lemon. My wife won't let me get rid of it because the cat likes to sleep on the seat or I would have dumped on someone who is a better mechanic than I am or some gullible stooge years ago.

 

[beenthere]

You might be more 'in line' with getting answers if you posted in the 'lawn and garden' forum rather than the ones set up for Compact Utility Tractors (CUT). Just a friendly suggestion in hopes you get the answers you are looking for. Also, Yahoo has a John Deere Garden Tractor group that is very well versed on the Deere tractors and is a well run group.
The Deere 316 is a classic, I believe. Best advertise it or eBay it if you don't like it. I doubt you have a lemon, they are yellow. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Ortis]

Thanks - I forgot that I need to go elsewhere for the "toy" tractors. I have gotten great advice depite that, but will try the Yahoo group.

 

[Egon]

Could there be an alignment problem?

Another thought would be battery size to small?

Egon