Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Removing starter on John Deere 318, john deere 318, steering wheel puller

Question
Recently obtained a Deere 318 tractor.  The stater on the Onan twin seems to be defective, but it seems buried between the engine and the frame.  Is there any way to get to this thing without removing the engine (I hope)?

Thanks,

Answer
Hello Neil:

You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers (318) and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. Have you Checked the Voltage Regulator. Usually when a Small Engine Charging System has a Regulator, the Regulator is the Cause for No Charging. If the Stator is Not Charging, then the Flywheel Must be Removed and on Some Model JD Mowers the Engine has to be Removed in Order to Remove the Flywheel. ***Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL  DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. *** If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John