Replacing starter and ignition coils on PT422

BobRip · Dec 4, 2004

I am checking to see if I have the updated starter and ignition to eliminate cold starting problems in my PT422. It looks like I might have to remove the engine to do this. Has anyone already done this? Is it necessary to remove the engine?
I have disconnected the front pump, but there is not enough room to slide the engine fan shroud out. Any suggestions would be appreciated. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

DHS · Dec 4, 2004

I have a three year old 422. Two years ago I replaced the starter and the ignition coils. I performed the operation without removing the engine from the compartment. However, I had to disconnect the hydraulic pumps on both ends of the main shaft and I removed the engine mounting bolts. I did not have to break any hydraulic hose connections. At that point pulling the engine would have been easy but I didn't need to. It was not a hard job but it was tight.

The coils and starter helped cool weather starting. When the temperature is between 30 below and 20 above I cover the rear section with a couple tarps and warm the engine and oil tank for an hour with a 115 volt baseboard heater that fits neatly under the engine compartment.

The coils and starter helped but mine still needs warming when it is very cold. In fairness to Robin, the three hydraulic pumps with cold oil is a considerable starting load to spin. I really like the Robin. I would like to hear if the non-Robin PT-425 owners have starting problems at zero degrees.

DHS

BobRip · Dec 4, 2004

Thanks for the reply. Did you disconnect the engine from its mounting bracket or the bracket from the power trac?

Bob Rip

toy · Dec 4, 2004

Didn't someone say that there was a mark on the starter maybe a color spot on the starter? If my memory is correct couldn't you maybe use a mirrow and hold it to reflect on the starter so you could see the mark without taking anything loose, I don't know if this is possible since I am not looking at it myself but it is a suggestion that might work for you.

BobRip · Dec 4, 2004

I was given a model number by Jack Gawecki of Robin. Nothing about a spot. Maybe Jack will see this. I will call him Monday if I don't have it resolved by then.

Thanks,

Bob Rip

BobRip · Dec 4, 2004

Oh, there is a white mark on the coils if they are new. Mine do not have them. Does this also mean the starter is the old verson?

MossRoad · Dec 5, 2004

<font color="blue"> I would like to hear if the non-Robin PT-425 owners have starting problems at zero degrees. </font>

No problems with the Kohler yet. This will be my 4th winter with it.

From what I've read, Robin is making some excellent decisions in dealing with the problems that they have been made aware of. Their future looks bright.

DHS · Dec 5, 2004

I disconnected the engine from its mounting bracket. The mounting bracket supports the forward pump and it is easier to rotate and move the engine when it is separated from the mounting bracket. Disconnecting the engine from its mounting bracket requires engine alignment with the forward pump during assembly. I eyeballed it and have not had any alignment problems. It takes some time and luck to line up the shaft and pumps when assembling but it is not to frustrating.

DHS

BobRip · Dec 5, 2004

Ok, I will start this procedure now. What a great resource this site is.

Thanks,

Bob Rip

BobRip · Dec 5, 2004

Well, a couple of hours later I have the starter out. I could not easily get to the engine bolts, so I removed the engine bracket bolts from the frame of the PT422. I then removed the fuel pump and both hydraulic pumps and the gas tank. I was able to slide the engine about 2 inches towards the fuel pump side and this gave me clearance to remove the cylindral baffle (sheet metal part which is around the starter and directs air to the cylindral). I was then able to remove the starter. It is the older starter as it is labeled 0.8 kw. I will call Jack of Robin tomorrow and request a new starter and coils.

I do have the Robin service manual and it was some help, although the starter was a little different than pictured.

Many thanks to those who answered my questions and gave me the courage to do this. I took a few pictures and will post them soon.

Bob Rip