'88 wheel horse starter issues

[androidguy21 0]

I'm having trouble getting my '88 wheel horse to start. The starter is getting power but only makes a grinding noise. It seems as if it's all seized up or something. I'll be able to look at it in a couple days. Any thoughts or experience to offer?

[Irv 115]

 Sounds like a weak battery or possibly bad starter.

[androidguy21 0]

Yeah the battery is fine. Is it possible that the starter has mis-worn and is now seizing up?

[dsholler 54]

Is it grinding, or just whirring... I have had trouble with the gear getting bound up on the bendix when some crud or moisture gets in there. I assume this is a magnum? If you take off the blower housing you can see what is going on. Mine got stuck after a long day of snowblowing this winter (snow flying everywhere, I assume some got up in there...) Wiped it off and some graphite powder lube and it works great.

[Duff 206]

Ditto the above. The "grinding" may be the starter gear drive only making partial contact with the flywheel gear ring, usually caused by a gunked up bendix. As dsholler suggests, try cleaning and lubing it to see if that solves your problem. If not, check back with us and we'll toss out some more ideas! 

 

Duff 

[androidguy21 0]

Thanks guys. I will check it out and get back to you soon. It might be a couple days.

Peace out.

[androidguy21 0]

Ok so I tore into the old thing yesterday and today. Found it's problem was internal. I took the cylinder heads off and found that only one cylinder was firing. There's either a broken crank or connecting rod. Does anyone have a clue if they sell the parts for the '88 2 cylinder onan engine? If so how much are they?