Slooow Starter/Generator

Ambush · #1 01-31-2023, 03:20 PM

This is likely a dumb question, but:

Even with a fully charged battery and all connections clean and good the starter will just make that "dead battery, solenoid clicking" sound. When it does start turning over, it seems pretty sluggish. 1973 CC 149. Kohler K321

Does it need to be rebuilt? Is that the problem? Are the parts still available?

I have a carb issue as well in that I have to choke it cold or hot. I did rebuild the original carb about three years ago but it has always been like that.

finsruskw · #2 01-31-2023, 03:29 PM

Does "all connections" include the ones actually ON the solenoid??
And the starter switch proper?
And the safety lockout relay?
If not, it needs to.

R Bedell · #3 01-31-2023, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Does it need to be rebuilt? Is that the problem? Are the parts still available?

In my area, I have a choice of a couple of shops that for a small fee will test and evaluate a S/G that is brought in. If need be, give an estimate on repairs.

Ambush · #4 01-31-2023, 03:49 PM

Don't think I have a safety cut off. Us northern bush people resent those intrusions.

I'll clean all the key switch contacts and check the integrity of those wires. Might be time to build a whole new harness anyway. I just moved the tractor outside of course and now we got six inches of snow and another three days of it coming. I use a walk behind snowblower but I had to move the tractor to get it out. Poor planning. I kinda hate to pull the starter right now because I may want to use the loader. But if there is a rebuild kit for it or brushes then i can order them and have on hand. Should be a pretty quick re and re.

West Valley G · #5 01-31-2023, 08:14 PM

This may have nothing to do with your situation but here goes.
Not to long ago I had the exact same situation with what I thought was
starter/generator. Knowing that the tractor had worsening compression
I forgot about the start issues while rebuilding engine. I did nothing to
any of the wiring on the rebuild. Got engine running as it should and
it dawned on me. Hey this thing starts like a champ. Same starter and
battery, same everything except compression fixed.
No idea if that is relevant or not but your question got me remembering.

Ken

Ambush · #6 01-31-2023, 09:12 PM

^^^ I sure hope not. Fifty hours on oversize piston and rings, valves and seats at the same time. The only thing missing was valve guides and that was a miscommunication between me and the machine shop, which I didn't find out until later.

It is possible the rings didn't seat because it does burn some oil though.

athomas · #7 01-31-2023, 09:14 PM

If it hasn't been opened up and cleaned or inspected since 1973 likely it needs it . brushes and brgs or bushings if needed are available, I do my own but am not saying that's for everyone. I disassemble ,clean the magnets in the case by lightly sanding with fine emery paper or scotch brite and blow the dust out and rinse with brake kleen or non oil based solvent. I clean the grooves where the brushes ride gently with a hacksaw blade not to damage the insulation below,these grooves get packed with brush material as the brushes wear, but like I said not everyone should take one of these apart if you have reservations about what your doing ! I always figure if it wasn't working when I take it apart then no harm done .... as long as I can get it back together and don't break anything !