Starter Generator problems

[blacksmith]

I was using my loader on my 1976 MTD 990 tractor clearing my elderly neighbors driveway of snow when my starter generator started making a loud grinding sound. It lasted for only a few seconds but it did this a few times. I oiled the bearing and continued the job. I removed the S/G and took it apart. The shaft at the bronze bearing was worn down to a taper from 9/16" dia. to 1/2" dia. and about 5/8" long. The bronze bearing was shot, way over 9/16" dia. ID. I had a replacement bearing and installed it on the end plate. I had to machine a slot on the side for the felt packing that brings up oil from the pocket below. I removed the front face plate on the S/G and placed the windings in my lathe. I turned the shaft down so I could press fit a sleeve.

I then remachined the end to 9/16" dia. (.562 dia.)

I reassembled everything and installed it on the tractor. It work perfect. It saved me about $100 plus shipping for a new one on Ebay. I'm glad I had a lathe to do the work.

 

[Leejohn]

I had the same trouble on my bolens and I was able find a starter generator that has a ball bearing in the end cap. I think my bolens came out new that way and some one put the lighter S/G on it. I can't remember if the shaft were the same size or not. If your MTD is like my bolens you have to keep the belt so tight just to get it to turn over it sure puts a load on that bearing. I would keep my eye out for one. You sure can tell by just looking at the end cap.

Lee

 

[blacksmith]

I had the same idea of using a bearing instead of a bronze bushing. I made some sketches of the end plate and I will try to make one using a bearing. I can not use the same end plate so I had a friend weld up some aluminum material that I plan on using.

 

[Travelover]

I had the same trouble on my bolens and I was able find a starter generator that has a ball bearing in the end cap. .................. Lee

Ditto with my Simplicity. I took it to a rebuild shop and they had one ball bearing end cap left in stock, which was installed. Never had an issue after that with the S/G. The problem is that the belt has to be so tight to start it that it overloads the bushing.

 

[3RRL]

Good job blacksmith.
A ball bearing for the end of that shaft surely is a better design, but regardless if you found a bearing, you still had to fix the shaft, right? I like that you used what you had and fixed it. I'll bet it last a pretty long time.