Bendix not engaging

[turtlehead 88]

Ok folks, here's the deal. So far this mowing season, I've had trouble starting the 416-8. M16S- 711523 engine. Serial # 1624708914.

 

Turn key, bendix spins fast, as it should, but doesn't engage flywheel. Hook up charger on full for few minutes, and will finally engage but spin slow( w/ chargerer still hooked on. Thought battery was weak. Took battery out. Found positive cable eye eaten away so barely hanging on terminal. Battery tested at 12.4v on bench.

 

You think the week connection at terminal would cause this or look to starter??

[953 nut 55,388]

9 minutes ago, turtlehead said:

terminal would cause this or look to starter

I think both should be looked at. With any electrical problem ALL electrical connections including grounds should be cleaned and tightened.

The bendix drive on the starter should be cleaned and use some dry graphite lubricant on it. be sure it tests good on the bench before you put it back in.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,068]

Bad connection will do it. The rpm of the starter is what throws the Bendix gear into the flywheel. Dust and dirt on the armature shaft can slow down or prevent the Bendix gear from advancing to the flywheel also.

When the flywheel speed exceeds the starter/Bendix gear speed it throws the Bendix gear back to the starter.

The Bendix gear travels on a twisted spline of the armature.

 

Garry

[pfrederi 17,742]

12.4 is not fully charged...12.6 is.

[turtlehead 88]

Well, I guess I got some work to do. I'll tell the grass to stop growing for a while.

[GlenPettit 1,716]

Also, lubricating the Shaft - - - WD-40 will help loosen the shaft temporarily and dislodge the crud binding it up, slowing down its engagement, but that WD-40 will not last, and it does not lubricate.  

We need to grease that shaft so it can move easily.

[turtlehead 88]

The bendix does move freely in and out by hand with very little resistance

[pfrederi 17,742]

If the cable end was rotted away just cleaning may not be enough as the corrosion can travel up the wire strands under the insulation.