Pt425 Robin Starter

[bol4fun]

I smelled burning plastic and jumped off my 425 today and saw flames above the Robin starter so through some dirt on it and put out the flames. The starter was very very hot and after everything cooled, took a picture to see the braided wire wrap was melted off and tried starting it. It doesn't turn over so I am assuming it is toast.
My first thoughts were 1.. how to change it out and 2.. how to put it in neutral to get it up to the shop.
I have another Robin engine so will steal the starter and burnt cables off of it but it looks like it will require the whole engine to be taken out to replace it.
Any thoughts or suggestion would be appreciated. I really need the tractor this week. I use it every day

 

[ponytug]

Yikes! That sounds like a close one, and quick action on your part!

Towing requires opening the bypass port; I would check your manual before attempting to move it.

I've never replace a Kohler starter, so I can't help you there, but I'd be inclined to try to fix it where it is, if possible to do safely.

Any thoughts about why / how it might have overheated / shorted?

All the best,

Peter

 

[MossRoad]

Sorry for your troubles.

There's either a bypass valve on the tram pump or there's two ports that have to be connected with a jumper hose in order to tow it without damaging the tram pump. Mine has jumper hose. When it's connected, I can push the unit with one hand very easily. Overinflating the tires makes rolling it a lot easier.

As for the starter, I have a Kohler, not a Robbin like yours. The Kohler is easily swapped out without removing the engine, as long as you have a bit of dexterity. Take some time, look it over, and consult an engine manual if you can. I can change my Kohler starter in about 15 minutes.

ALSO- ASSUMING IT IS TOAST forced me to purchase a new starter when the only problem was I had the PTO switch in the ON position!!! Now I have a spare starter.

So if you haven't checked that first, please do.

 

[MossRoad]

Consult this post for bypass hose, if it applies to you. Lots of discussion, my solution, and where the ports are located.

If it doesn't apply to you, and you have a bypass valve, please disregard....

Dead battery, broken exhaust stud, tow ports, gas tanks, welding, carbs.... YIKES!

My 2001 model year PT425 battery died. The metal battery hold down strap wore through the case and that was that. As many of you know, on this iteration of PT425 layout, the muffler has to be removed to get the battery out. Four nuts on four studs.... three came off... one stud snapped very...

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[m5040]

The whole thing could have been caused by the starter staying "on" or if it stuck engaged. Check it out good before you burn up a new starter. Did the ignition switch stick in start position? Is there a relay that got stuck in start? Or just the starter itself? If the starter remained trying to start with engine running for a long enough time, it willl burn up like that. Battery may be way low too.

 

[bol4fun]

Sorry for your troubles.

There's either a bypass valve on the tram pump or there's two ports that have to be connected with a jumper hose in order to tow it without damaging the tram pump. Mine has jumper hose. When it's connected, I can push the unit with one hand very easily. Overinflating the tires makes rolling it a lot easier.

As for the starter, I have a Kohler, not a Robbin like yours. The Kohler is easily swapped out without removing the engine, as long as you have a bit of dexterity. Take some time, look it over, and consult an engine manual if you can. I can change my Kohler starter in about 15 minutes.

ALSO- ASSUMING IT IS TOAST forced me to purchase a new starter when the only problem was I had the PTO switch in the ON position!!! Now I have a spare starter.

So if you haven't checked that first, please do.

Lol....I'm 74 and once pulled my hair out trying to get it to start with the pto switch on... woops. I use my 425 daily and was all bummed out when it was down. Yesterday, my son pulled the engine with my help and swapped out the starter and put it back together in 90 minutes. Great fathers day present

 

[bol4fun]

Thanks for the comments. I called Terry and my 2017 model has a bolt under the hydraulic pump that you turn 1 to 1.5 turns to put it in neutral. You can't see it. I luckily have a volvo mini excavator because the bucket was full of dirt on the ground so I just lifted the front end with a chain, had my wife steer it, and dragged it up to the garage. In neutral.

 

[bol4fun]

The whole thing could have been caused by the starter staying "on" or if it stuck engaged. Check it out good before you burn up a new starter. Did the ignition switch stick in start position? Is there a relay that got stuck in start? Or just the starter itself? If the starter remained trying to start with engine running for a long enough time, it willl burn up like that. Battery may be way low too.

My son. Changed it out and it started right up but today, I believe I smelled something and checked to see if the starter was hot so licked my fingers and it was very hot.
After reading your post, I realized that just before the starter fried, my son was watching the house while we were on vacation and he took the key out of the ignition and couldn't get it back in. I stayed with wd40 and it went in half way but would turn to start so it has been that way since. Could that have anything to do with it and what would you recommend for me to do. I sure don't want to buy another starter and pull the engine again. Thanks for your help

 

[ponytug]

Yikes! That does not sound great.

To me, that sounds like either a bad starter solenoid or main switch. I would check to see where and when you have voltages at the switch, at the starter solenoid control wires and on the output.

The switch is pretty standard, though I personally am partial to using marine boat switches as they tend to be closer to waterproof switches.

All the best,

Peter

 

[MossRoad]

Starter switches are pretty inexpensive and an easy test. Local lawnmower shop, tractor supply, rural king, etc... even some auto parts stores should have them.