QuestionQUESTION: I think my electric starter went today. When I try and start the engine in my Murray Ultra 30" cut rear engine mower, I hear what seems to be a spin but the motor does not turn. Would this be the whole starter or something more simple? If it is the starter, how can I tell what the part number is? I have seen different part numbers for steel, plastic and aluminum gears.
Thanks for your help,
Paul
ANSWER: Hello Paul:
>>This can be the Starter Drive Not Engaging with the Flywheel Starter Ring Gear or the Starter Drive Gear is Damaged and Requires Replacing.
>>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 (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Example: 283707-0139-01. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Select Sectional Index. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View.
>>If the Starter Drive is Simply Nor Jumping Up and Engaging the Flywheel Ring Gear, then Sprat some Lubricant onto the Starter Gear Shaft and Allow it to Soak for 30 Minutes and then Try to Start the Engine Several Times. You May have to Remove the Starter Drive Gear and Clean the Shaft.
>>If the Starter Gear is Damaged, then Replace it.
>>The Breakdown at the Site Addy I Provided will Assist you with the Disassembly and Part Numbers for the Parts.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something 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. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks. Your diagnosis was basically right on. The starter (pinion) gear was damaged. Unfortunately for me, the fly wheel (ring) gear also looks worn on many of the teeth. I was able to start the mower by manually spinning the fly wheel to a point where the teeth weren't as worn. Two follow-up questions for you:
1) Do I replace the starter gear by prying off the "c" clip and then removing the nut/washer? Anything else I should be aware of?: and
2) How do I go about replacing the fly wheel? Is there much involved outside of removing the engine casing?
Thanks again. I really do appreciate your knowledge and insights.
Paul
AnswerHello Again Paul:
>>You are Correct in Removing the C/E Clip from the Starter Drive Shaft and Replacing the Starter Drive Gear.
>>The New Starter Gear will have the Teeth Beveled on One Side and Not on the Other. Make Sure the Bevel is Facing Away from the Starter.
>>You can Replace just the Flywheel Starter Ring Gear on this Model Engine.
>>Depending on weither the Flywheel Starter Ring is Steel or Plastic
will Determine which Starter Drive Gear you Purchase.
>>If you Look in the Flywheel, Rewind File in the Breakdown at the Site Addy I Provided, you will See they can be Ordered in a Set (Flywheel Starter Ring and Starter Drive Gear.
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File I made for Replacing the Ring Gear (Electric Starter Gear) on Most Small Engines. Any Input is Appreciated. Usually I Suggest the Flywheel be Taken to a Small Engine Service Center for the Ring Gear Replacement. Some of the Ring Gears are Held on with Rivots, Some are a Sweated Fit and Others are Held on with Bolts and Nuts (use Thread Locker for this Style).
>>The Flywheel Key is what Times the Plug Firing. The Valves are Timed by the Marks on the Crankshaft and Cam and is an Internal Setting (this is a Non Issue for the Flywheel Removal and Replacement).
>>If the Ring Gear is Steel, then you Must Purchase the Flywheel and Ring as a Unit and if the Ring is Aluminum you can Replace Just the Ring.
>>***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.***
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something 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. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
