1996 Toro/Wheel Horse Starter Removal

[rockerpeople 1]

I have a 1996 Toro/Wheel horse that the starter spins on when trying to start it. It eventually catches and starts but getting worse. I started to take the starter off to take it and get it rebuilt and I am stumped. Is there a trick to getting it off? If I take the bracket loose from the engine, will the starter just come out? Oil tube seems to be in the way too. Does it just lift out? Don't wanna tear anything up.  I am not too mechanically inclined but this didn't look too bad. I got this mower from the estate of an older gentleman who passed. 1000 hours and it looks and runs really good. Tiller and cart came with it for $800. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks! Terry 

 

 

[WH nut 553]

What motor, if its a 1 lung Magnum it has through bolts from the back of the starter case to the bearing plate

Also the pinion is just dirty, spray good with  carb cleaner should do the trick

Edited March 9, 2014 by WH nut

[Hodge71 664]

Terry it would definitely help to know what model tractor you are dealing with and possibly a better picture. In 1996 it could be a Kohler single or an Onan twin. Your picture is very small and doesn't show the engine very well...either that or maybe my eyes are getting old. From squinting Im leaning toward Kohler. I can almost make out the writing on the engine which is normal for a Kohler. That plus you state that the dipstick tube is in the way and on an Onan, the starter is nowhere near the dipstick tube. The starter will just come out if you pull the 2 bolts and you shouldn't have to touch the dipstick tube. your encryption also sounds like its just dirty. My C-160 was doing the same thing last year and I pulled it out, cleaned the bendix with brake cleaner and lubed it with some graphite. hasn't acted up since. Good luck and let us know how you make out.....oh and

  

Edited March 9, 2014 by hodge71

[squonk 41,360]

Looks like a Cole-Air to me too and my eyes are worse than yours! 

[rockerpeople 1]

Hello again, It is a Kohler 8hp. The starter sets on a bracket that is bolted to the block (I think) with 2 bolts. Does the starter come out bracket and all? I will get a photo if this doesn't help. Thanks for all the replies! Terry 

[WH nut 553]

Sounds like a K series, remove bolts and starter

[TT-(Moderator) 1,145]

 

Are you sure it's not a 12 or 14hp?

 

This might help:

[rockerpeople 1]

Crap, Sorry about that, it is a 14 hp. 

[rockerpeople 1]

Here are a couple photos of the starter and the bolts in the bracket. 

[dennist 139]

Remove engine/flywheel tin, it will come right out.

Sorry, looks like in Terry and Martin's post I must stand corrected...definitely will have to look closer when I go out today.

Edited March 9, 2014 by dennist

[Martin 2,133]

 

Are you sure it's not a 12 or 14hp?

 

This might help:

 

wow, i never realized the magnum starter removal was this complicated.......

 

The Magnum starter is held to the bearing plate by the long bolts on the opposite end.

Link to service manual: http://www.asberry.n...s/TP-2203-A.pdf

Section 10A, page 4

 

You have to remove the dipstick tube (three screws threaded into engine block at bottom casting) and removal of the drive belt cover is extremely helpful but not a necessity - depending on your patience and the contents of your toolbox.

The blower housing does not need to be removed from the engine.

 

makes the starter removal (gear) for the k series seem like a summers day picnic. 2 bolts and some wiring......

[AMC RULES 37,134]

Oooph...sounds like a workout.

[JC 1965 1,530]

Hello and 

[squonk 41,360]

Sometimes the simplest sounding/looking things can be a PITA! I replaced the fuel lines on Ezra yesterday. He has one of those fuel shutoff valves that go through the steering tower. I couldn't figure out how to get the knob off of it to get it out of the tower. Not much room for stiff and not so nimble fingers to get at the clamps but it is done.

[rockerpeople 1]

So, take dipstick tube out, remove 2 long bolts that hold starter to the housing, clean with carb cleaner, put a little graphite on the bendix? Which is the bendix according to this photo? 

[rockerpeople 1]

Here is dipstick detail. Does adapter tube just twist out? I can't find a set screw anywhere and detail doesn't show one.  

[rockerpeople 1]

Oh boy! Take off dipstick assembly, hopefully don't ruin gasket, little tiny screws, all tools out on floor, old eyes. Gonna be fun. 

Last question; can this cleaning be done without removing starter? 

[can whlvr 993]

don't let the starter come apart when you pull it off the motor,the 2 long bolts are the only thing holding it together,or then you will need to learn how to get the brushes in

[WH nut 553]

Oh boy! Take off dipstick assembly, hopefully don't ruin gasket, little tiny screws, all tools out on floor, old eyes. Gonna be fun. 

Last question; can this cleaning be done without removing starter? 

Sure can, use the straw on your carb or brake clean and spray away, Don't use WD40 or a wet lube or you will have more trouble with dirt and grass build up

[rockerpeople 1]

Thanks! I pulled the cover loose and the flywheel and starter gears are easily accessed. Question; just pull the gear forward and spray carb cleaner into starter?

[WH nut 553]

Thanks! I pulled the cover loose and the flywheel and starter gears are easily accessed. Question; just pull the gear forward and spray carb cleaner into starter?

Just move the started gear back and forth and clean the shaft. While you are there, make sure the shaft bushing is good.

[Don1977 604]

Check to see that the spring is not broken.

[rockerpeople 1]

Can I tell if spring is broken without removing starter?

[sadixon49 11]

For those who haven't figured it out, he has a 96 314-8 with a Kohler M-14. I sent him here from MTF. MTF is very nice all brand forum but it is, shall I say, a little less active for Wheel Horse than RedSquare. He seems to have found the help he needs here. Thanks to all.

 

steve

[can whlvr 993]

you don't have to spray the whole starter,just where the bendix spins,spray it and work it while spraying,you will feel it free up and spring back with no resistance,its been a while since I was in one,im pretty sure the gear can come off if needed to look at the spring,but usually it just needs cleaned and lubed,as mentioned use a dry graphite spray,ive got long screws that I put in the starter to hold it together,forgot to mention that earlier,then you can bench test it once cleaned and lubed,just to see it spin the gear and see it retract