Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Aldeer General Forum Ask Aldeer - 23hp Kohler won't spin

It started as not spinning only when hot sometimes (maybe a few months) and has become a won't spin anytime problem. You can hear what sounds like the starter winding up but it doesn't engage the flywheel. When the starter works it immediately engages with zero issue. I'm thinking starter, or starter solenoid. What say ye small engine mechanics and such?

First thing is battery. Try jump starting it to see if your battery is just too weak.

If that doesn't cause the starter to engage, either your pinion mechanism is dirty, or your starter motor clutch is bad.

I had a similar issue on my John Deere rider, I replaced the starter, solenoid, etc. Read about a common issue being the valves out of adjustment. Looked like more than I was able to dive into. Took it to a shop and sure enough that was the problem.

Battery is hot. Been down that road. The starter will spin the engine perfectly but only after hitting the switch a whole bunch and hearing the whir sound from the starter and it not engaging then sooner or later it spins, engages the flywheel and starts normally as if there never was a problem. It use to only do that when at full hot.

Bad solenoid which is probably integrated into the starter requiring the starter to be replaced.

I've got a 23 hp Kohler also. Starter was messing up and finally got to where it wouldnt engage at all. I had to take a screw driver and stick it under the cover and raise up the drive gear on the starter while i hit the switch. Not a good way of doing it but it was the only way to start it untill I bought a new starter.
And on a side note I ordered the starter online because it was about half the price compared to a dealer. Now it occasionally hangs up and have to take a screwdriver and get the gear down,
Should have just paid the extra and got it here locally.

Could be a pressure release valve it happened to me once

The starter / solenoid is sold as an assembly.
But you can take it to an auto electric shop and have it rebuilt.

I found a new (open box return) on Amazon for $43 shipped. I'm going to give that a shot.

If it were more expensive, I watched a video on youtube (Taryl something or other) about jumping the oem solenoid with a universal type. It's about a $20 permanent fix but requires a few wiring tools/fittings some may not have handy. Ofcourse all of this is moot if it's not the solenoid or starter but that's where I'm putting my money.

starter solonoids are a common problem on a lot of construction equipment. sometimes you can get a voltage drop from old wiring and connectors. I usually just hit them with a hammer to start them. you must have a soloniod inline with your starter motor seeing that it spins without fully engaging. are you sure you dont have teeth missing off the flywheel .