55
Starter System
22 690 01 Rev. --
KohlerEngines.com
NOTE: Do not crank engine continuously for more than 10 seconds. Allow a 60 second cool-down period between
starting attempts. Failure to follow these guidelines can burn out starter motor.
NOTE: If engine develops suffi cient speed to disengage starter but does not keep running (a false start), engine
rotation must be allowed to come to a complete stop before attempting to restart engine. If starter is engaged
while fl ywheel is rotating, starter pinion and fl ywheel ring gear may clash and damage starter.
NOTE: If starter does not crank engine, shut off starter immediately. Do not make further attempts to start engine until
condition is corrected.
NOTE: Do not drop starter or strike starter frame. Doing so can damage starter.
NOTE: Battery must be tested and confi rmed acceptable prior to troubleshooting starter system. Follow battery or
OEM battery testing procedures.
Engines in this series use inertia drive starters. Inertia drive starters are not serviceable.
Troubleshooting-Starting Diffi
culties
Condition
Possible Cause
Conclusion
Starter does not energize.
Battery
Check specifi c gravity of battery and battery state of charge. If
low, recharge or replace battery as necessary.
Wiring
Clean corroded connections and tighten loose connections.
Replace wires in poor condition and with frayed or broken
insulation.
Starter Switch
or Solenoid
By-pass switch or solenoid with a jumper wire. If starter
cranks normally, replace faulty components. Consult with
OEM electrical system service procedures for OEM related
component diagnostics. Perform solenoid test procedure.
Starter energizes but turns
slowly.
Battery
Check specifi c gravity of battery and battery state of charge. If
low, recharge or replace battery as necessary.
Transmission
or Engine
Make sure clutch or transmission is disengaged or placed
in neutral. This is especially important on equipment with
hydrostatic drive. Transmission must be exactly in neutral to
prevent resistance which could keep engine from starting.
Check for seized engine components such as bearings,
connecting rod, and piston.
INERTIA DRIVE ELECTRIC STARTERS
When power is applied to starter, armature rotates. As
armature rotates, drive pinion moves out on drive shaft
splines and into mesh with fl ywheel ring gear. When
pinion reaches end of drive shaft, it rotates fl ywheel and
cranks engine.
When engine starts, fl ywheel rotates faster than starter
armature and drive pinion. This moves drive pinion out
of mesh with ring gear and into retracted position. When
power is removed from starter, armature stops rotating
and drive pinion is held in retracted position by anti-drift
spring.