Need advice on lawn mower starter

[PBJ]

I have a kohler engine that is doing the same thing. I spoke with guy at BMC in Westlake the other day and he suggested to check the valve clearance also. He said if that is OK then jump across the start solenoid to make sure that it isn't the issue. If it still drags then it is the starter. He said they normally just replace them.

[wed68]

Yep the exhaust valve has a compression release mechanism on it if valve is out of adjustment it will not crank over well , I have repaired several with same problem, keep us posted

[elebouef]

Originally Posted by PBJ

I have a kohler engine that is doing the same thing. I spoke with guy at BMC in Westlake the other day and he suggested to check the valve clearance also. He said if that is OK then jump across the start solenoid to make sure that it isn't the issue. If it still drags then it is the starter. He said they normally just replace them.

Might want to make sure that the guy knows what he is talking about. Most Kohlers has hydraulic valves and doesn't need to be adjusted.

[oldwelder]

Originally Posted by jchief

Probably starter drive or bendix (sp)

Just be careful, sometimes it is cheaper to buy a new one than have one rebuilt. Smokey's in Sulphur rebuilds them.

Smokey's rebuilt my starter on the boat motor several years ago . Worked better than i ever rember it working. Less than half of a new one.

[Lake Chuck Duck]

Originally Posted by wed68

Yep the exhaust valve has a compression release mechanism on it if valve is out of adjustment it will not crank over well , I have repaired several with same problem, keep us posted

By not cranking well, I am saying that it doesn't have enough juice to fire the starter 100%. I ordered a starter from Jacks and hope it works out ok.

[Gerald]

I had a simalar problem with my outboard starter. It just did not have enough power to start the engine.

My problem was a burnt wire going to one of the carbon brushes. If the braid copper "wire" connecting to the motor brush has a very slight change of color....it is bad.

A new set of brushes [about $ 20] and I was back up and running.

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A few years later, the starter started making a very loud noise. Talked to a boat mechanic and he said to take the starter apart and put a little grease on the sleeve bearings. Starter has been quite for 2+ years now.

[PBJ]

Originally Posted by elebouef

Might want to make sure that the guy knows what he is talking about. Most Kohlers has hydraulic valves and doesn't need to be adjusted.

Most don't, some do.

[Lake Chuck Duck]

I appreciate all the help guys. I ended up going with jackssmallengines.com. I was able to get a new starter for $70, the local shop wanted $125. I got the starter hooked up, a brand new blade, and changed my oil and it fired right up with no trouble. And just in time too! I was having to use a machete to get to my shed! To give you an idea I will attach a before and after shot. Been fighting my lawn mower for weeks and with all that rain, it was a jungle.