B&S 21hp starter

[Chuck52]

I've got an MTD Yard Machine 46" rider with a 21 hp B&S twin. Worked fine last week, but today the starter spins but doesn't engage. I assume I have a solenoid problem, but the parts lists and manuals I have don't show how to get to the starter. Battery seems OK, showing 12.8V, though not under load. I put it on my charger anyway and it sure spins the starter fast, just no engage. Can anyone tell me how to get to the starter so I can begin my usual method of whacking it (gently) with a screwdriver?

Thanks,
Chuck

 

[Chuck52]

Pull the hood and it's on the right side. A little thought got me to that point, and I pried the gear up and it cranked the engine just fine, so it's the solenoid, which is apparently inside the starter. OK. Gotta go get a darn big star type bit to remove the starter, but then I'll read one of the earlier threads about rebuilding B&S starters.

Chuck

 

[frank_f15]

Pull the hood and it's on the right side. A little thought got me to that point, and I pried the gear up and it cranked the engine just fine, so it's the solenoid, which is apparently inside the starter. OK. Gotta go get a darn big star type bit to remove the starter, but then I'll read one of the earlier threads about rebuilding B&S starters.

Chuck

my 18 horse B/s engine was going the same thing, seems the gear that engaes the flywheel is PLASTIC AND THE teeth JUST GOT chewed up

 

[Chuck52]

Frank,

Not only is it plastic, but there doesn't seem to be a solenoid. Looks like the gear spins into contact by centrifugal force along a spiral groove in the shaft, and then is disengaged when the starter stops turning, by the flywheel just screwing it back down the shaft with the help of a spring. My plastic gear is fine....probably just needs cleaning the groove in the shaft and lubrication so it travels easy. You should be able to get a replacement fairly cheap. Mine takes a T40 tork bit to remove the starter.

Chuck