C-101 Starter

[base459 4]

Hello all,

 

My c-101 is on the Fritz again.  I have replaced the starter solenoid, and batter but I still can’t get it to start which I believe now I need a starter.  I am trying to find a replacement online but have no idea what ones are comparable.  I tried my local toro dealer but he says it’s going to cost me 200 for a new one.  Can anyone help me out with cheaper alternatives or know of anyone who would be willing to sell this part? 
 

thank you!

 

brian!

[ebinmaine 72,617]

It's entirely possible the starter is fine and just needs new bushings and a cleanup. Maybe a gear.

 

It's also entirely possible that the starter is not at fault at all.

 

Have you used a test light or voltmeter to verify that the starter is getting voltage when it's supposed to?

 

Have you removed all the grounds from the tractor and cleaned them?

 

 

[base459 4]

20 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

It's entirely possible the starter is fine and just needs new bushings and a cleanup. Maybe a gear.

 

It's also entirely possible that the starter is not at fault at all.

 

Have you used a test light or voltmeter to verify that the starter is getting voltage when it's supposed to?

 

Have you removed all the grounds from the tractor and cleaned them?

 

 

Thanks!  I haven’t done the voltmeter check but I have replaced the ground wire that goes from the solenoid to the starter.  In case it is the starter needing to be replaced do you know what I can replace it with? I’d like to get it replaced ASAP before the fall gets really goin’

[ebinmaine 72,617]

20 minutes ago, base459 said:

Thanks!  I haven’t done the voltmeter check but I have replaced the ground wire that goes from the solenoid to the starter.  In case it is the starter needing to be replaced do you know what I can replace it with? I’d like to get it replaced ASAP before the fall gets really goin’

Can you post some pictures please? There isn't normally a ground that goes from the solenoid to the starter. Perhaps you're thinking of the positive wire? Likely red?

 

To test that wire just get a hold of a test light. Attach the test light clip to the battery ground. 

Touch the tip of the test light to the inside or the end of the small wire that goes to the solenoid. When you turn the switch to the start position it should flash off and on with you turning it at the key.

 

 

As to buying a starter. 

I'd be a lot more prone to calling Lincoln at A to Z tractor in Pennsylvania and having him send me up a good used older Kohler starter then trying to buy a new one that was made in the aftermarket. 

 

I'd certainly recommend doing some more checks before you replace the starter though.

 

 

 

Edited September 29, 2021 by ebinmaine

[base459 4]

Here is a video of me trying to start it with the fresh batter and new solenoid.  I will get a pic of the wiring soon but hopefully this might help a bit!  Thank you so much for helping! 
 

[ebinmaine 72,617]

Well now that's a noise I haven't heard out of a garden tractor before. Certainly out of cars.

It does sound like the starter is angry to me.

That said, I still wouldn't replace it.

Do the light test to verify that there is power going where it should be FIRST.

 

Following that I would remove the starter and clean it in the engine where they come together. It could be a bad ground area for you.

 

Also while the starter is off you can do a bench test with a pair of jumper cables. That will verify actual correct or incorrect operation of the starter with you being able to see the gear going in and out.

 

After digging into the diagnostics a little bit you may very well find that all you need is a cleaning and perhaps a gear.

 

 

[oliver2-44 10,711]

I would remove the starter and bench test it with jumper cables as eb has suggested. 

[Gregor 4,847]

Is the starter or the solenoid miking that noise?

[ebinmaine 72,617]

27 minutes ago, Gregor said:

Is the starter or the solenoid miking that noise?

Now that you mention that, it could actually be either one. And in either case it could be caused by a bad ground or a poor connection somewhere.

 

 

Another thing I forgot to mention earlier is

 

Never assume a new part is a working part. Every manufacturer has an acceptable defect rate.

 

 

[Achto 29,394]

2 hours ago, base459 said:

 In case it is the starter needing to be replaced do you know what I can replace it with? I

 

Here is some sources for you.

 

http://www.psep.biz/store/kohler_45_098_09-s_starter_motor.htm

 

https://www.dbelectrical.com/products/kohler-k211-k301-k321-k341-starter-10-12-14-hp.html

Edited September 29, 2021 by Achto

[stevasaurus 23,277]

Your starter should be what is called a "High Mount" starter.  If you decide to open it up and see if you can find the problem, here is a thread doing just that.  

 

 

[Gregor 4,847]

I can't decide if the starter is grinding, or the solenoid is chattering, and I have my hearing aids all he way up!

[oldlineman 1,537]

Just an idea maybe put your hand on each when starting and feel for vibration 

[squonk 43,799]

@base459  I have a working high mount starter if you need one. PM me for details

Edited September 29, 2021 by squonk

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,474]

There is a 2nd short ground cable on this model between the engine and frame because the shaker plate sits on rubber.