Ray Ohio 2 #1 Posted February 13, 2020 (edited) I have a sticking bendix on my 14 hp Kohler. I can free it up by tapping on the starter, but I want to fix right. After looking at the starter, I can see the dip stick tube blocking two bolts. How is the dip stick tube removed? Does it push in or does it screw. When I do get the starter off, what kind of lubricant should I use to keep everything moving freely? Thanks Ray Edited February 13, 2020 by Ray Ohio 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildman 205 #2 Posted February 13, 2020 You keep tapping on that starter you won't have to worry about the bendix.Take the shroud off and spray some lubricant on the bendix 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,333 #3 Posted February 13, 2020 Lubricants can attract dirt and dust to stick to the bendix. I prefer using Graphite. Plus a good cleaning will help. Any pics of what you have will help 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,399 #4 Posted February 13, 2020 you could also drill a a small hole over the bendix area and spray tube lubricate it, i have done that on my horses and it has been effective . you can pick up a small plastic plug at your local h/w store , pull out drawer section. or just tape over the hole . pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,468 #5 Posted February 13, 2020 (edited) Do not try to separate the tube and the elbow. manual says remove the three screws holding eh elbow to the block then remove it as a unit. Be careful when you remove the starter bolts the thing can fall apart. Best to read disassembly part of manual page 10b 4 Edited February 13, 2020 by pfrederi 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 10,818 #6 Posted February 13, 2020 I think I did this once by removing the front motor tins on the magnum 12 horse and I do not recall if I used graphite or lube for the bendix but I left starter bolted on and then replaced the tins and rectifier wiring. lace Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,855 #7 Posted February 14, 2020 I think you can lube the starter shaft without removing anything. Standing on the right side of the tractor you can see the back end of the Bendix drive. Use a thin long screwdriver to push the back of the drive into the flywheel ring gear a few times to move any dirt hanging around. Hold it in and spray the back of the shaft. I use graphite in an aerosol spray. The solvent evaporates real fast leaving the graphite. Move the drive in and out a few times and respray. Good to go. Garry 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeB 15 #8 Posted January 5, 2023 garry do you have a picture to show where to look thanks joe 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,331 #9 Posted January 5, 2023 (edited) You might consider starting out with a spray cleaner such as brake clean or others (test in a hidden area that it doesn’t hurt your paint). Then use a dry spray lube such as graphite or garage door track spray dry lube. Do not use an oil/grease lube or you will be back with it sticking once it gets dusty. Try it as Garry has described above. If that only fixes it for a short time you may also have a worn mid front starter bushing. On my 312-8 I can get a ratchet with a short extension in there to remove the starter where it bolts to block. It’s tight, but do able. If you need to do a full disassembly there is a thread on here about rebuilding starters. Edited January 5, 2023 by oliver2-44 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites