Starter motor is knocking loud no engine turn over! Help!

[Dirtmover22]

My emax 22l HST has a loud knocking or hammering noise from the starter motor. No engine turn over! Wont Start! Help Please!

 

[Roadworthy]

I'd start by shifting into neutral - perhaps a space between ranges - to see if the starter will turn the engine over. If not try rotating the engine by hand, perhaps using the front crankshaft bolt with a socket and breaker bar. This will let you know if the engine is seized.

 

[kenmbz]

Starter gear may either not be meshing with engine or the solenoid that pops out the shaft is not going out far enough.
If you can turn the engine a little safely and then try, it would rule out engine seized and starter gear not meshing in one go.
Make sure you are in neutral during any of this testing.

 

[MTGreen]

You could also pull the starter and examine the teeth on the ring gear and the starter. The knocking could be worn down teeth slipping past each other

 

[Dirtmover22]

Thank you all for your replies! I will try the suggestions and I'll let you know.