generator starter problem

[Jaxfishgyd]

The starter on my 9 kw Kholer genset has decided to "go south". And of course it's not in an easy location to get to....

I got the top bolt out easy enuff....

Fought tooth and nail, including cussing, yelling and blood loss and hand to motor combat but finally got the bottom one out.

The starter will not budge... It's as tight as before I removed the two bolts.

SURELY there's not another bolt.

I had to get cleaned up as it was time to go to a wedding.

Thought about using a 12 lb sledgehammer at the time, but decided maybe a rubber mallet, depending on what answers I get...

 

[Boatsb]

There may be a rear support and ground at the back of the starter. After checking for that a few hits with a mallet should break it loose.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Hey Charlie... Ppat sez to look for those other two hidden bolts... and she outa know!!
Seriously, put one bolt back in finger tight and tap on the end with a SFH. (small f... hammer) Theres a semi tight fit where the starter fits into the bell housing... Needs some never sieze on that when you re-istall. Wait till you get a flat tire on a jap car with alloy wheels. Those are usually frozen together rock solid... Jap technology usually dictates a perfect fit, then the corrosion takes over! ws

 

[REBrueckner]

If in a difficult to reach position, you can also tap a hammer to a piece of wood placed on end at the starter...it softens the blow analogous to a rubber mallet....or depending on situation, pry the starter with a piece of wood...

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

The really sad thing is, I removed it about 8 yrs ago and do NOT remember having any problems.... But seems my brain cells are leaving me at a high rate the last few years...

And I sure dont remember a 3rd bolt...

 

[mobilemn1]

Charlie mine was a 4kw kohler,,,,I didn't have but two bolts, but not knowing yours,,,,hard to say,,,,,just bump the hell out of it with a piece of wood, and hope there is not a third bolt. Mine was a little stiff coming out as well and I just knocked the hell out of it and it popped right out.

 

[Boatsb]

The really sad thing is, I removed it about 8 yrs ago and do NOT remember having any problems.... But seems my brain cells are leaving me at a high rate the last few years...

And I sure dont remember a 3rd bolt...

My old Onan has the 3rd bolt on the back as a ground/support. Some of the older units had them. If there is not one hit it a few times.

 

[53hatt]

I have an old 7.5KW Onan and need to get to the starter also (solenoid kicks in but no rotation). Where exactly is it located? I did a quick look with the front cover off, and couldn't see it.

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

Well I hopped into the ER today all set to do battle again....
Took down my trusty rubber mallet......
Told the starter it WAS coming out....
I took a little swing, just to have an idea what angle I could take when I wacked it.... Kinda like what you golfers do...
I B A R E L Y touched the starter and it fell out.......
Time for a beer now.......

 

[REBrueckner]

BRAVO!!!!! Excellent technique!!!:

"Fought tooth and nail, including cussing, yelling and blood loss and hand to motor combat but finally got the bottom one out."

"Told the starter it WAS coming out...."

That is why you are so successfull...equipment MUST be scolded when naughty!!

 

[mobilemn1]

Just like kids, a little swat on the bottom when they are bad, and you raise respectful kids,,,,,,No kids were hurt in the typing of this statement.