Jump to content

Unofficial Home of Old Simplicity & Allis-Chalmers Garden Tractors

Kohler Starter question.......


LesH

Recommended Posts

I have a Kohler KT17 and the starter when energized does not push the gear out to mesh with the flywheel. I took the starter off and gave it a good cleaning as grease and dirt was on it. The starter drive seemed to spin good, but still stuck. Question-- should I oil the insides of the strater drive or just take apart, clean , reasemble and install?? Some people say that the oil will just pick up dirt... I don't want to take it off again if I don't have to.. it was a little close in there trying to get to the bolts.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

was the spring broken? remove shield use screwdriver to extend out the gear head and give the screw surfaces a good soaking with wd40 or other penetrant PB blaster Kroil.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Les I used penetrating oil and carb cleaner to clean the parts,then a dri-lube garage door opener to keep it slick and working. The dri-lube won't gather dirt and grit. Larry
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
I had to pass on this note that it's not always a mechanical or electrical problem. I had the same symptoms this week with my 17GTH-L. Starter would turn but the bendix would not engage. After checking out the battery and even jumping it with no improvement, I pulled the shroud fully expecting to have to jack the engine up and at least clean if not replace the starter. When I opened it up the space aroung the starter and flywheel was packed FULL of crud, mostly grass clippings and dust, and it was in there FIRM. I pulled it out, turned the key and she fired right up no problem. The crud had apparently bult up to the point that it kept the bendix from moving, or at leas moving enought to engage the flywheel. Just one more thing to check when you've got a starter problem.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I actually open the tin every other year. I push the gear to engage the flywheel and spray with carb cleaner... As soon as it dries I hit it with silicone tri-flow...works great...
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Les, the Kohler starters do not like anything more than a very light oil on them. Any oil/grease and maybe even dry lube will prevent the bendix from sliding all the way into the flywheel. Battery voltage needs to be 12V+. Do not oil the elec. motor side, just clean the bendix with WD-40 or like Ambler suggested PB blaster. After it is fully clean, give it one more light spray and thats it.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll have to try these suggestions. The starter on my 712 does this sometimes. But when it acts up, tapping the starter drive fixes it. Maybe time for a starter?
Link to comment
Share on other sites

quote:
Originally posted by goatfarmer
I'll have to try these suggestions. The starter on my 712 does this sometimes. But when it acts up, tapping the starter drive fixes it. Maybe time for a starter?
Just clean it. I've had that happen and a little WD 40 took care of it.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • Darl Swartz
    • a_sannine
    • Snojetter
    • GregB
    • mbsengineer
    • Chris727
  • Recent Status Updates

    • gwiseman

      gwiseman

      As you know SimpletrACtors.com has changed some recently. Working through this so PM me with questions, suggestions, and/or challenges you have. Appreciate your patience and feedback.
      · 0 replies
    • gwiseman

      gwiseman

      Site programming updates were made 3/23/2024. As a result some things have changed including dues payment options. We will continue maintenance and work with technicians to regain credit card payment option and clear up minor challenges. On positive it appears attaching pictures is now easier. Good day. Gene 
      · 1 reply
  • Adverts

×
×
  • Create New...