GT-14 not turning over

[ericampagna 3]

Please excuse me I am a newbie and my terminology my be incorrect but I hope to learn from everyone.  I'm a new owner of a 1972 GT-14. This is my first wheel horse and I am loving it. However I have had a few problems with it. The current problem is when I turn the key the engine won't turn. It seem that the starter is turning but not engaging the engine. I don't think the engine is seized because I can turn it manually. I was having an issue with the battery and when I tried to start it would just click once and not do anything. I replaced the battery and it started and ran several times. I even drove it around the yard a few times included 5 minutes before the issue began happening. Now it won't start. Please help. Thanks.

[Dhodge 528]

The starter generator has a bolt on a bracket that can be loosened, so that you can push the starter generator back which tightens the belt between the starter generator and the motor flywheel pulley.  your other battery may not have been getting a charge due to a loose belt also. 
The GT-14 is one on my list of wants.  Good Luck

[ericampagna 3]

Dhodge, 
Thanks for the quick response. I will try that and report back. Thanks again.

[Dhodge 528]

Welcome to Red Square by the way

Edited June 3, 2015 by Dhodge

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,497]

yes, welcome to red square and dont forget a few pics.

glenn

[Rob R 966]

Hmmm my '70 GT14 does not have a starter generator (NOT belt driven). Starter engages via a gear to the flywheel... and charges via and internal alternator.... so me thinks you need to chk the wiring to the starter and verify after that if the starter is any good another area of course would be the starter solenoid... you could jump this and/or jump the starter directly via a jumper from the battery same with an external hot wire from the + battery to the alternator. Hope this helps

[Dhodge 528]

OOps .  there you go --Rgrottk says they have a starter alternator and not a starter generator, so my theory above is incorrect.  I guess I was thinking the GT -14 still had the belt driven starter generator.  Sorry!! 

[Pollack Pete 2,273]

If the starter is spinning and not turning the engine........remove the starter and clean the bendix.40 some years of dried grease keeps things from working properly.I usually remove the starter and completely disassemble it to clean everything.I check the brushes and grease both bushings.Re assemble and it should be fine.

[ericampagna 3]

Yes rgrottk you are correct. After losing at it this morning I see it does not have a belt but a starter alternator and gears. When I turn the key the gear on the starter alternator turns but is not engaging the gear on the fly wheel. I am going to try taking off and cleaning it like pollack Pete has recommended. 

[Brrly1 1,146]

Check all your connections, make sure the ground is grounded. Then check your battery for starters. Battery needs to have a good charge

Edited June 3, 2015 by Brrly1

[ericampagna 3]

So after getting the cover off it looks like the gear on the alternator has moved in towards the center of the engine. 

[ericampagna 3]

A video of what's happening. 

IMG_2940.MOV

[Aldon 4,826]

It looks to me like starter is in need of rebuild or replacement. The gear when you initially crank it should extend and engage flywheel. Cost and effort of rebuild may be a wash with what you can replace it for. it should be K321 Kohler Starter........ 

Edited June 3, 2015 by Aldon
But some of the more skilled members should confirm that for you....

[Rob R 966]

Your starter Bendix is toast, you either need to rebuild this or replace the starter.... both are available on e-bay

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xkohler+321+starter+bendix+.TRS0&_nkw=kohler+321+starter+bendix+&_sacat=0

[ericampagna 3]

Thanks Aldon. I ordered a new starter it will be here tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. 

[953 nut 55,155]

    Glad to hear you have a new starter on the way, That GT-14 is a blast to drive.    

[ericampagna 3]

Got the new stater put in today and she starts like a dream. Thanks to everyone for the feedback. Now on to other repairs.  

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,497]

Thats great news, some pics when you get a chance if you wouldnt mind.

Glenn

[Rob R 966]

Great news give me the shout if you don't want the old starter.....