8.11
Section 8
Electrical System and Components
8
Electric Starters
Some engines in this series use inertia drive starting
motors while others use solenoid shift type. Inertia
drive types are covered first and the solenoid shift
type is covered starting on page 8.16.
NOTE:
Do not crank the engine continuously for
more than 10 seconds at a time. If the engine
does not start, allow a 60 second cool down
period between starting attempts. Failure to
follow these guidelines can burn out the
starter motor.
NOTE:
If the engine develops sufficient speed to
disengage the starter but does not keep
running (a false start), the engine rotation
must be allowed to come to a complete stop
before attempting to restart the engine. If the
starter is engaged while the flywheel is
rotating, the starter pinion and flywheel ring
gear may clash, resulting in damage to the
starter.
NOTE:
If the starter does not crank the engine, shut
off the starter immediately. Do not make
further attempts to start the engine until the
condition is corrected. Do not attempt to
jump start the engine with another battery.
Starting with batteries larger than those
recommended can burn out the starter
motor.
NOTE:
Do not drop the starter or strike the starter
frame. Doing so can damage the ceramic
permanent magnets inside the starter frame.
Starter Removal and Installation
Refer to the Disassembly and Reassembly sections for
starter removal and installation procedures.
Inertia Drive Electric Starter
This subsection covers the operation,
troubleshooting, and repair of the inertia drive
permanent magnet electric starter.
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem
Starter Does
Not Energize
Starter
Energizes But
Turns Slowly
Possible Fault
Battery
Wiring
Correction
1. Check the specific gravity of battery. If low, recharge or replace
battery as necessary.
1. Clean corroded connections and tighten loose connections.
2. Replace wires in poor condition and with frayed or broken
insulation.
Starter Switch or
Solenoid
Battery
Brushes
Transmission or
Engine
1. Bypass the switch or solenoid with a jumper cable. If starter
cranks normally, replace the faulty components.
1. Check the specific gravity of battery. If low, recharge or replace
battery as necessary.
1. Check for excessively dirty or worn brushes and commutator.
Clean using a coarse cloth (not emery cloth).
2. Replace brushes if excessively or unevenly worn.
1. Make sure the clutch or transmission is disengaged or placed in
neutral. This is especially important on equipment with
hydrostatic drive. The transmission must be exactly in neutral to
prevent resistance which could keep the engine from starting.
2. Check for seized engine components such as the bearings,
connecting rod, and piston.
