Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Starter, sears craftsman lawn tractor, craftsman lawn tractor

Question
QUESTION: I have a Briggs 12Hp engine (model 28407; type 1026-E1; code 980205ZA) on a Sears Craftsman Lawn Tractor (Model 917254520) and the engine won't start. I replaced the solenoid and the starter clicks, the hard plastic gear pops up, but the starter doesn't turn.

If I need to replace the starter, there seem to be some strange looking (star shaped) nuts holding the starter to the engine. What tool do I use to remove the starter and is there anything more than just swaping out the two parts?

Many thanks!

Your reply>>>




If the Battery is Good and Has a Full Charge, then Remove the Spark Plug and Turn the Starter. How Does the Engine Turn, if at All? The Bolts are Called Torx Head. Purchase the 6 or 9 Piece Set. You will Eventually Use Most of the Different Sizes. If Not on the Mower, on the Car or Truck and Some Electrical Panels. Thanks.

My follow-up question>>  It's the starter that I have a question about. The starter doesn't turn at all so the engine doesn't turn. The battery is good (it starts another lawn tractor I have).  All that is happening is, when I turn the ignition key, the start makes a loud click noise and the gear on top of the starter pops up but doesn't turn. That would be required to get the engine to turn over some.

Thanks again - Bill






ANSWER: Hello Again Bill:

If they are Nuts, then a 12 Point Socket will Usually Fit, Unless they are the "Star" Nuts, then a Star Socket is Required. If they are Bolts, then Usually they are Torx Head Bolts and Require a Male Torx Socket for Removal. Can you Turn the Engine by Hand? You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model and Type Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I understand the tools and parts, thanks.

Maybe I'm not being clear with my question. Do I need to replace the starter? Again, when I turn on the ignition key, the gear at the top of the starter pops up, but the starter and the gear that engages the engine doesn't turn, so the engine doesn't turn over. It would be impossible to turn the engine over by hand. The battery is good because it turns over a different tractor. That's my only question.

Or is there another component that would prevent the starter gear and the starter overall not to spin and engage engine? If so, does the starter need replacing or can it be rebuilt.

Thanks once again!

Answer
Hi Bill:

OK. If the Starter Does Not Turn the Engine with the Spark Plug Removed and you can Turn the Engine By Hand, then Do the Following Checks to Determine if the Stater ot the Solenoid is the Problem. Use your Jumper Cable Set and Attach the Positive Lead Onto the Positive Post of the Battery (make sure the Battery is Fully Charged or is a New Battery). Now Firmly Touch the Large Post on the Starter. If the Starter Does Not Turn, then the Starter is Bad. If the Starter Turns the Engine Properly, Then Check the Solenoid. Firmly Touch the Small Post at the Base of the Solenoid that has the Ign Wire Attached to it. If The Starter Does Not Turn and the Solenoid Clicks, Then the Solenoid is Bad. From Your Description it Sounds like the Starter needs Replacing. I Do Not Suggest a Rebuild. Usually the Problem is More than Bushings and Brushes when a Starter Gives Problems like this. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John