New starter - finally bit the bullet

[Al C. 1,428]

I’ve been nursing a weak starter on my Wheel Horse SK-486 16hp K341 Koehler engine for the past four years.  I finally broke down and replaced it this week. Bought an after market replacement off Amazon.  It’s a 15 minute swap.  Wow!!!  What a difference!  The starter is smooth, powerful, and fast.  Engine starts on first turn!  Should have done this years ago … $47.00.  See pics.  

Edited August 26, 2022 by Al C.

[peter lena 8,634]

@Al C. nice looking unit there ! clean / maintained , did you use any graphite on that drive gear area ?  good price on that too  , pete

[Al C. 1,428]

I had the same question.  I read a number of posts and talked to a local mechanic.  They said to leave it dry.  

[pacer 3,173]

I'd go dry too.....

 

I got one of those 'aftermarket' starters for my small Mitsubishi couple yrs ago, it is also really nice and preforms great, was also $50-60? The bendix failed on it and there was so little difference in the bendix cost and the complete starter, soooo ....... 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,046]

The biggest cause of a weak or slow starter is worn bushings the armature turns in.

[ri702bill 8,327]

Don't toss your original - it can be rebuilt for short $$ IF the magnets are not damaged....

[pacer 3,173]

7 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

be rebuilt for short $$ IF the magnets are not damaged..

 

This is very true, and I have been into several with nothing but a good leaning brought them back, replaced one bushing, and one set of brushes. ..... but I cant see any way to repair the bendix??? anybody???

[Al C. 1,428]

I tried to “fix” the Bendix.  Removed the head nut.  Got a new spring at ACE Hardware - cut it to size. Hammered the gear mechanism to increase friction.  It made it better, but nothing like the new starter.