williambogner 0 #1 Posted February 1, 2009 Hey guys. On my auto 12 when i go to start it and im turning it over...it squeels loud. It almost feels like the starter is grinding up on some gears. Im not sure what it is but does anyone have an ideas what it is. Its a Kohler 301 engine. Its weird because sometimes it squeels and sometimes it doesnt like if you put the choke up or down it varies. While running it doesnt make the noise or anything so I dont have a clue but any ideas would be great. Thanks William Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,129 #2 Posted February 1, 2009 It sounds like the nose bushing in the starter is dry. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jusjeepn 59 #3 Posted February 1, 2009 Sounds to me like it's time for a new starter! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
williambogner 0 #4 Posted February 1, 2009 thats what i figured. Does anyone have any kicking around that i could but off them that would fit my engine?? Thanks for the help guys Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,129 #5 Posted February 1, 2009 Can you take yours to an alternator/starter repair shop? Depending on how bad it is, it sometimes only costs $20 or $30 to have them freshened up. There are also several aftermarket starters available to fit the K series Kohlers and they run anywhere from $50 to $80 - depending on where you get them. (A genuine Kohler starter is around $130 - $150. ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
williambogner 0 #6 Posted February 1, 2009 to be honest i wouldnt have a clue where to bring it to get it freshened up. To be honest i dont think its that bad but its just really annoying when starting it and people dont look at that as a good thing so...I kinda want to buy one used or new off someone. Not looking to spend over 100$ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHC-125 4 #7 Posted February 1, 2009 William, Did you buy that one on craigslist? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
williambogner 0 #8 Posted February 1, 2009 Yea i picked it up in haddam. It may have been a little pricey but I liked the tractor overall and it came with a 42in plow and deck so...itll be a fun resoration first time project i think. Thanks William Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,059 #9 Posted February 1, 2009 william, spray the starter shaft with wd-40 first before doing anything else like changing or rebuilding the starter. Sounds like the shaft just needs to be lub'd up. No need to take off to do this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,129 #10 Posted February 1, 2009 :whistle: Didn't I just say that about 7 posts ago? By the way - is this the one with Tony's old plow that he traded for the snowblower that he's selling now? :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
williambogner 0 #11 Posted February 1, 2009 No i dont think so... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
williambogner 0 #12 Posted February 1, 2009 Okkk i tried spraying some wd 40 where the starter shaft goes into the engine itself and it still squeeled. Im just going to go ahead with replacing it...Ill ask one more time, does anyone have a starter motor that will fit on my engine. Thanks William Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Teddy da Bear 11 #13 Posted February 1, 2009 I remember buying a rebuild kit for the starter on my B-80. Are they still available? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 19,673 #14 Posted February 1, 2009 I would be careful about spraying anything liquid on your starter as it will be easier for sand and grit/dust to collect or stick in it. I would use some grafite powder if it was mine. Mike....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docwheelhorse 2,561 #15 Posted February 1, 2009 I Don't know if these starters have a rubber "clutch" like the outboard engines do... but if you spray enough WD40 on them they will stop squeeling.... They will also stop turning the engine over when the rubber just slips to death Chips Auto Electric Inc, 121 Park Ave, East Hartford, CT. Tel: 860-528-4107 Try this guy---he is old school and has rebuilt several of my generator starters and regular K/Magnum starters. His prices and service is very good. My Father/Uncle and most of my family has been dealing with him and his family for over 40 years.... Tony P.S.--I think that is the plow that I traded the blower for. It is now within 5 miles or less of my house again :whistle: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
williambogner 0 #16 Posted February 1, 2009 Alrite sounds good. I was going to call Bernies or Chips but Chips sounds better now. Mike, I didnt spray a lot at all on the shaft so im not too worried about a problem but thanks for pointing that out. Ill just have to bring it to a rebuild place and if that doesnt work ill just replace it. Thanks for the help! William Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHC-125 4 #17 Posted February 1, 2009 That is the plow that was traded for the snowblower :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whchris 5 #18 Posted February 1, 2009 i like jim wood in taftville ct i can get his number for you if your intrested ( you can drop the starter off at kahn tractor and have him pick it up from there if you dont want to drive to taftville) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites