jde853 0 #1 Posted September 24, 2014 Hello I have a 314-8 I've been having trouble starting it all summer until finally it just makes a slow turning sound and gradually turns faster but won't start. The engine is not turning but just a progressive spinning. How can I be sure it's the starter and is it hard to change? Thanks in advance Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,467 #2 Posted September 24, 2014 Welcome to the forum. If you can find the tractor model number and serial number they would help us help you. May be under the seat on the rear fender pan. The electrical system changed on this model between the first in 1985 and the last in 2001. Garry 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jde853 0 #3 Posted September 24, 2014 Thanks Gerry Model # 73402 Serial # 7901210 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
varosd 1,185 #4 Posted September 24, 2014 Looks like your 314 is from 1997 Your Kohler motor is know as a Magnum engine (meaning it has a magneto instead of points) others, who own this set up, will chime in. there is a great topic search engine on this forum. also great downloadable manuals etc for free! Welcome aboard!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jde853 0 #5 Posted September 24, 2014 Thanks Don I will certainly follow your advice Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
km3h 543 #6 Posted September 24, 2014 Go here and type in your model number. You will be able download all the service manuals for your tractor. There is one on there with over 500 pages in it. Make sure you download that one as it is the Demystification Guide and is the most important one when it comes to electrical problems. http://www.toro.com/en-us/parts/Pages/PartsLookupResults.aspx?searchTerm=73402&BasicSearchFilter=equipment First I would make sure the battery is fully charged. Then check the ground wire for a good clean connection. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Geno 1,929 #7 Posted September 24, 2014 Hello and Welcome! Is your first post correct that "The engine is not turning" like the starter is spinning and the engine not turning at all? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,467 #8 Posted September 24, 2014 Depending what the membership thinks your problem is here is an engine service manual Here are the detailed wiring diagrams from the 523 page Demystification Guide for your model http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/2211-tractor-1994-1997-314-8-wiring-detailed-492-4509pdf/ The tractor operator manual ?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent> The tractor illustrated parts lists ?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent> Do you have a test light or a voltmeter for testing purposes? Garry 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #9 Posted September 24, 2014 Welcome and one thing you can check that is free and simple is if there is junk, (grass, fishing line, string, rodent hair, other associated organic matter), that is impeding the starter's gear from engaging the motor. This happens quite often. Once you get the manuals and know the general location and operation of the starter, check for a bunch of crap around the starter shaft. Sounds to me like it needs cleaned and lubricated. Let us know what you found! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,976 #10 Posted September 24, 2014 Basically JD its like this. Your starter motor is most likely not recieving enough voltage/amperage to engage the starter bendix into the teeth of the flywheel. I don't know how mechanically minded you are but first thing you will need to determine that the battery has full power, and is properly grounded to the frame area of the tractor, and the terminals are clean and tight on the battery. If the tractor does not start, the next thing to do is go to the local auto parts store and buy yourself a remote starter switch. Connect one lead of the switch to the pos+ terminal of the battery, the other end to the little terminal on the starter relay. You will have to unplug a wire from this terminal to connect your lead. With the transmission in neutral, engage the remote starter switch. If the battery is good, and the battery cables are good, this should spin the starter motor at full speed. If not then you may want to enlist some help from a knowledgeable friend to further divide and conquor your problem. Note that I said spin the starter at full speed. I did not say spin the starter at full speed and engage the flywheel. Hopefully this will be the case and the engine will start and run. If the starter is turning full speed but not engaging the flywheel, then that is an indication the starter bendix is totally dry and is stuck on the starter motor shaft. You will then need to remove the starter and lubricate the bendix. JD I don't want to overload you with information. If you take it this far on your own, we can get you the rest of the way. I went ahead and and jumped in here this deep because I just had this issue with a 312 tractor (same engine), and this is what it took to find the problem and make the repair. Good luck. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Molon_Labe 731 #11 Posted September 24, 2014 (edited) there is plenty of talent here to help you resolve your problem. It sounds like a voltage drop to the starter but no telling until you take some voltage readings. Edited September 24, 2014 by M_Bailey 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jde853 0 #12 Posted September 24, 2014 Yes Gino it doesn't sound like the engine is trying to turn......strange Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jde853 0 #13 Posted September 25, 2014 Depending what the membership thinks your problem is here is an engine service manual ?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent> Here are the detailed wiring diagrams from the 523 page Demystification Guide for your model http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/2211-tractor-1994-1997-314-8-wiring-detailed-492-4509pdf/ The tractor operator manual ?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent> The tractor illustrated parts lists ?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent> Do you have a test light or a voltmeter for testing purposes? Garry I must be honest Garry, I do have a voltmeter but not sure how to use it Basically JD its like this. Your starter motor is most likely not recieving enough voltage/amperage to engage the starter bendix into the teeth of the flywheel. I don't know how mechanically minded you are but first thing you will need to determine that the battery has full power, and is properly grounded to the frame area of the tractor, and the terminals are clean and tight on the battery. If the tractor does not start, the next thing to do is go to the local auto parts store and buy yourself a remote starter switch. Connect one lead of the switch to the pos+ terminal of the battery, the other end to the little terminal on the starter relay. You will have to unplug a wire from this terminal to connect your lead. With the transmission in neutral, engage the remote starter switch. If the battery is good, and the battery cables are good, this should spin the starter motor at full speed. If not then you may want to enlist some help from a knowledgeable friend to further divide and conquor your problem. Note that I said spin the starter at full speed. I did not say spin the starter at full speed and engage the flywheel. Hopefully this will be the case and the engine will start and run. If the starter is turning full speed but not engaging the flywheel, then that is an indication the starter bendix is totally dry and is stuck on the starter motor shaft. You will then need to remove the starter and lubricate the bendix. JD I don't want to overload you with information. If you take it this far on your own, we can get you the rest of the way. I went ahead and and jumped in here this deep because I just had this issue with a 312 tractor (same engine), and this is what it took to find the problem and make the repair. Good luck. Basically JD its like this. Your starter motor is most likely not recieving enough voltage/amperage to engage the starter bendix into the teeth of the flywheel. I don't know how mechanically minded you are but first thing you will need to determine that the battery has full power, and is properly grounded to the frame area of the tractor, and the terminals are clean and tight on the battery. If the tractor does not start, the next thing to do is go to the local auto parts store and buy yourself a remote starter switch. Connect one lead of the switch to the pos+ terminal of the battery, the other end to the little terminal on the starter relay. You will have to unplug a wire from this terminal to connect your lead. With the transmission in neutral, engage the remote starter switch. If the battery is good, and the battery cables are good, this should spin the starter motor at full speed. If not then you may want to enlist some help from a knowledgeable friend to further divide and conquor your problem. Note that I said spin the starter at full speed. I did not say spin the starter at full speed and engage the flywheel. Hopefully this will be the case and the engine will start and run. If the starter is turning full speed but not engaging the flywheel, then that is an indication the starter bendix is totally dry and is stuck on the starter motor shaft. You will then need to remove the starter and lubricate the bendix. JD I don't want to overload you with information. If you take it this far on your own, we can get you the rest of the way. I went ahead and and jumped in here this deep because I just had this issue with a 312 tractor (same engine), and this is what it took to find the problem and make the repair. Good luck. That's my next move thanks Depending what the membership thinks your problem is here is an engine service manual ?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent> Here are the detailed wiring diagrams from the 523 page Demystification Guide for your model http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/2211-tractor-1994-1997-314-8-wiring-detailed-492-4509pdf/ The tractor operator manual ?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent> The tractor illustrated parts lists ?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent> Do you have a test light or a voltmeter for testing purposes? Garry This is great info Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Geno 1,929 #14 Posted September 25, 2014 Sounded to me like the bendix wasn't engaging. You can do Wheel-N-It's suggestion with one side of a pair of jumper cables also. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
