vermeer 206 stump grinder

[snowninja]

we're working on getting a grinder that's been sitting 10+ years started and it seems the switch to the solenoid is bad, when we jump the solenoid the starter spins but doesn't engage. I was googling and binging around to find a manual for this thing and the only link is to the Vermeer website and they want a ton of info to "send" a manual. I was hoping to get the pdf online, does anyone know where this is? I want to figure out the parts I need to order.. the motor is a kohler magnum 20 and the grinder only has 34hrs on it but like I said has been sitting for over 10 years..

 

[oldnslo]

There should be some identification numbers on the Kohler engine that could help in identifying what starter components you need. Ignition switch, take that too a good lawn mower repair center and they would probably have a replacement.

 

[bigballer]

btw this is the same person that posted the original thread. I forgot that I had created a new account a long time ago and by default used that login..

anyway thanks for the heads up on the starter part. i'll take a look to see what I can find.. also order a paper manual. Vermeer is working on digitizing their manuals but not quite there yet..

 

[bigballer]

looks like a new starter is $200, more expensive than my Toyota!

 

[oldnslo]

If the starter spins but the bendix does not engage you possibly can just remove the starter and clean the bendix. Do NOT oil the bendix assembly since this attracts dirt and causes them to fail. I have used brake cleaner for ones that are oily and gummy or just light emery cloth or steel wool if slightly rusted.

Yes those little starters have a mighty big price tag..

 

[bigballer]

Replaced the battery, starter, and ignition switch. Still won't turnover. Checked fuses. What next? Not getting any clicking or noise at all..

 

[Coyote machine]

Are you certain the engine CAN turnover? That it is not seized?
Put a voltmeter across the battery, note voltage present. Turn key while looking at meter reading to see if voltage drops or changes significantly.
Report back results.:thumbsup:

 

[bigballer]

Are you certain the engine CAN turnover? That it is not seized?
Put a voltmeter across the battery, note voltage present. Turn key while looking at meter reading to see if voltage drops or changes significantly.
Report back results.:thumbsup:

12.41v and no change when I turn the switch.

 

[lilranch2001]

12.41v and no change when I turn the switch.

Check the ground?

 

[bigballer]

Check the ground?

I pulled the ignition switch and found the ground wire. 12.4.. there is a rocker switch to raise and lower the wheel and the works I see voltage drop to 12.1 and it raises / lowers the wheel.

 

[bigballer]

Also can turn the drive pulley by hand so its not seized.

 

[bigballer]

Could it be the ignition coil? How do I test this?

 

[lilranch2001]

coil will not affect it turning over, only affect the firing of the sparkplugs

 

[bigballer]

coil will not affect it turning over, only affect the firing of the sparkplugs

Ok thanks. I just figured that part out. 1 wire from switch and 2 plug wires..

 

[bigballer]

I pulled the swithc and don't get a reading when bypassing it. If I go to the solenoid I do get a reading. Could be wiring harness?

 

[Coyote machine]

I pulled the ignition switch and found the ground wire. 12.4.. there is a rocker switch to raise and lower the wheel and the works I see voltage drop to 12.1 and it raises / lowers the wheel.

Not sure what you're saying: '...lower the wheel and the works...'
You seem to get a slight V drop when you energize the wheel raise/lower switch? Yes?

Take positive lead of meter and put on pos post of battery. Take negative lead from meter and run it to housing of starter and see if you get a reading of Voltage. If NOT, you may not have a good ground for the starter.
Post results.

 

[bigballer]

Not sure what you're saying: '...lower the wheel and the works...'
You seem to get a slight V drop when you energize the wheel raise/lower switch? Yes?

Take positive lead of meter and put on pos post of battery. Take negative lead from meter and run it to housing of starter and see if you get a reading of Voltage. If NOT, you may not have a good ground for the starter.
Post results.

12.4 when following your instructions. What I meant is there is a seperate rocker switch that raises and lowers the grinding wheel and that works but is of course not wired to the key switch.

 

[Coyote machine]

Ok, slow down you're all over the place and jumping from one thing to another without stopping to follow the logic of the start/crank circuit.
Can you try to jump start the starter with cables from the battery to the starter solenoid and see if it turns over? (First disconnect and put safely aside the wire that currently brings hot from battery to solenoid bolt at the solenoid). Do this: Hot lead of jumper cable to post batt post. Ground lead of jumper cable to negative battery post. Ground of jumper cable to known good clean ground of grinder and just touch positive to bolt of solenoid. If it cranks over, do NOT crank it for more than a few seconds, to verify that the new starter is in fact good, and works to turn the engine over.
Post back results.

 

[bigballer]

Thanks coyote. That test was successful. The starter engages the flywheel and turns over the motor.

 

[Coyote machine]

Ok. Now we're getting somewhere!
You now know the new starter is good and the engine will turn over when proper voltage is applied to the starter solenoid. Now you have to find out where you are loosing voltage in the starting circuit. This will be why the starter is not engaging with the ignition key.:thumbsup:

So now you will have to verify each point from battery through to the starter solenoid to see where the wiring is faulty.
For me to understand where you're at with this harness tell me exactly what you did replacing things like battery, ignition switch, etc., and why you replaced them. And you will need to use your meter and possibly a test light to see where you have an open in the circuit.
Post back.