1977 C120 starter ?

[Canoetom85 21]

Does anyone know where to get a replacement starter and/or part number? I think mine is on the Fritz. Tractor died halfway through snow blowing and when I try to restart it the starter squeals and seems to slip. I also need to replace points, condenser, plug wire, and coil, so I’m hoping those along with starter is the problem. Any info would be greatly appreciated. 

[squonk 43,780]

Since you tractor quit and won't restart I would look at the battery, cables, ammeter connections and the solenoid before condemning the starter. I may have quit due to a bad connection somewhere and there is insufficient voltage to the starter now.

[Canoetom85 21]

I did a quick look at all those. Just re-did all the wiring not to long ago, but will definitely check again. Thanks 

[daveoman1966 3,839]

That squealing starter is squealing for LUBE.  Take it off.  Open it up and clean all the black soot/carbon out of it.  Lightly use a bit of emery cloth or 1000 grit sandpaper to clean and shine-up the commutator.  If the brushes are worn down, replace them.  Use some GOOD lube on BOTH end cap (brass) bearings.   Also clean off any grease build up on the BENDIX.  A little bit of dry silicon lube can be used on this bendix, but NOT oil or grease....that is a dirt magnet. To test:  Clamp the starter FIRMLY to a workbench and with a 12v Battery lead, connect NEG terminal to the Starter BODY.  Touch POS battery cable to the protuding stud on the side of the starter...it should SNAP the bendix back and forth....without squealing.  Ebay would have a new or rebuilt starter.         

Edited February 19, 2022 by daveoman1966

[Canoetom85 21]

Thanks, when I try to start it the starter engages but there’s a gray disc that moves in an out and that seems to be slipping? If that makes sense. I will pull apart and do those things. Thanks! 

[pfrederi 18,650]

The gray disc you see is probably the pinion gear.  It normally sits back close to the starter motor (pic 1) when you crank it moves out an engages flywheel ring gear.  In second picture you can see the spiral threads it travels on.  These need to be clean...

[Canoetom85 21]

Thanks everyone appreciate your help!!! 

[kpinnc 14,628]

A new eBay starter is about $50-60.

 

While I might not use one permanently, they make for a quick changeover and give you time to get the original properly rebuilt without the loss of seat time.

 

The surgeon general warns against lack of seat time BTW...

[Horse Newbie 7,395]

Don’t know much about starters, but I DO KNOW this… keep your original starter and rebuild it, if that’s what it comes to.

I bought a Chinese starter to save $200 and my Cub has been clicking ever since.

[rmaynard 16,293]

If it's the Bendix that's stuck, clean it and lubricate with a dry lube like graphite. Otherwise I'd replace it with $50 replacement from eBay or Amazon. I've purchased several of them and they have been fine. Unless you are handy in the workshop, rebuilding a starter can be a challenge.

[kpinnc 14,628]

2 hours ago, rmaynard said:

Unless you are handy in the workshop, rebuilding a starter can be a challenge.

 

If you are a mutant with 32 fingers that all have extra digits, then getting the brushes back in won't be an issue.

 

For the rest of us it kinda sucks. 

 

If you rebuild it, make the little flat slotted tool listed in the manual (should be able to Google it) to hold the brushes in place during reassembly. Your sanity will thank you. 

[daveoman1966 3,839]

(1)Before you take the starter apart, make a couple scribe marks on each end cap to assure correct orientation upon reassembly. (2) Don't hammer the sides for any reason...field magnets are brittle. (3)Trim an old Credit Card to use in retaining the 4 brushes for reassembly. (4) have a coffee can filled with kerosene to THOROUGHLY rinse parts...blow dry with compressed air. (5) 5 or 6 Coors on ice is a necessary tool. 

 

[oliver2-44 10,703]

Heres a thread about rebuilding starters.  They actually are simple.  As everyone mentioned the brushes can be a challenge.  But if you make some little metal clips like the manual shows, and Steve uses in his video, they become easy to deal with.

If you need any parts DBElecric has kitts which include brushes and bearings.  I've found the bearing on the front cover significantly worn from the side load on some. The rear bearings always seem to be in good shape.

Heres