Kubota BX1800 Starter Question

[LysJones]

I have a BX1800 that I've owned for about 6 years now (bought used, but clean). I've started having an issue where the starter bendix (pinion maybe?)/sprocket that pops out to engage the flywheel isn't lining up properly. So, when I hit the starter, it clicks as the small gear is just hitting the larger one. I can start the tractor by reaching down and twisting the smaller gear into place (where it will line up when it pops out again) and it starts. Needless to say, if the engine is hot, this is a fun place to stick your hand. So, am I looking at a replacement starter to fix this? or is there something I'm missing on how this is supposed to stay lined up? Great advice in these forums...thanks for all the input! lj

 

[Dave M7040]

Before concluding it is the starter, learn how to power the starter solenoid directly from the battery to see if it works better.
There will be a smaller terminal on the solenoid which has power on it when the key is turned to the start position.
Remove this wire and connect a wire from the battery cable terminal on the starter to this terminal.
Be careful as you are bypassing all safety switches so have someone on the tractor making certain it is not going to go forward or reverse.
If the safety switches get corroded or tired they can limit the power going to the starter solenoid and cause it to not pull in properly.
The starter should align/engage itself without any help.
If the tractor starts fine with the direct connection we can talk about identifying the problem switch or adding a relay.
Dave M7040

 

[KYKub]

Dave M7040 is offering good advice to help identify the issue. I'll add that I recently had a Kubota starter rebuilt. To my surprise, the mechanic told me the only problem was bushings (they align the bendix). I went ahead with the rebuild since it was in the shop and not much more money, but I think a couple of bushings were the culprit. It would make sense that worn bushings could cause an alignment problem.

FWIW, my rebuild was $125. You can find eBay starters for under $100, but I believe most knowledgeable folks will tell you a rebuilt Kubota starter is far superior to cheap eBay junk.

 

[LysJones]

Thanks for the replies. I bypassed everything and powered the solenoid directly from the battery and it worked. While this isn't conclusive, because it would work 'sometimes', like when i got luck and the bendix was aligned by itself. But when I went to hook the wire back up to it, i noticed it was fairly dirty. So a quick cleaning and I hooked it back up. Now, i've started it about 5 times without an issue. I'll report back in a few days when I've used it more, but it sounds like it could have been a less than great connection.

 

[davesl708]

Thanks for the replies. I bypassed everything and powered the solenoid directly from the battery and it worked. While this isn't conclusive, because it would work 'sometimes', like when i got luck and the bendix was aligned by itself. But when I went to hook the wire back up to it, i noticed it was fairly dirty. So a quick cleaning and I hooked it back up. Now, i've started it about 5 times without an issue. I'll report back in a few days when I've used it more, but it sounds like it could have been a less than great connection.

You may need to install a relay to power the starter directly. There is a thread on here with the part number for a relay. Installed one on my BX and problem solved. The wires connecting all the safety switches develops a resistance dropping the voltage to the solenoid. The relay solves that problem for about $25 bucks.