Starter repair on my lawn tractor.......

[daveomak]

The starter stopped working properly.... It would start to spin then lock up.... Evidently, when power applied, it pulled the magnet into some binding position.... The magnet was completely loose as the epoxy let go.... So, I used "extra time, slow setting epoxy" to try this repair.... Cleaned the magnet and housing with MEK and let dry... mixed the epoxy and applied to the magnet.... Slipped the magnet into place and clamped with the 2 spring clamps in the picture... Appears the magnet is back in it's original position... I will know later... If the rotor hits the magnet, I will apply some sanding material to the outside of a section of 1.5 or 2" PVC pipe and sand the magnet.... I shouldn't need to abrade it more than 20-30 thousands or so.... maybe less from what it looks like... the clamps are pretty strong and squeezed the epoxy out on all sides..... New starter $156 + whatever they add on.... This one is 3 yrs old... 3 months out of warranty....

Fingers crossed....

Clamps 2.JPG

• daveomak
• Mar 17, 2015

...

Clamps.JPG

• daveomak
• Mar 17, 2015

...

Magnet in place.JPG

• daveomak
• Mar 17, 2015

 

[cmayna]

You know,,,,,,to simply matters, why not just one of those non powered push mowers? 

 

[daveomak]

The starter works as good as new... AMAZING......

Soooooo, if the starter on your equipment ever just "LOCKS UP" pull it apart and look at the magnets to see if one came loose...

 

[bwsmith_2000]

Way to go Dave! Another win for the good guys. I recently had a problem with my washing machine. The agitator wouldn't work. I went on line, found the problem and fixed it by replacing the "dogs" for $3.51. Thinking the transmission was shot, I was about to go buy a new washer/dryer. Dave sets the precedent ....... give it a try. What have you got to loose. Thanks for the post.

 

[gary s]

What kind of smoker do you have that needs a starter ???

Gary

 

[daveomak]

Way to go Dave! Another win for the good guys. I recently had a problem with my washing machine. The agitator wouldn't work. I went on line, found the problem and fixed it by replacing the "dogs" for $3.51. Thinking the transmission was shot, I was about to go buy a new washer/dryer. Dave sets the precedent ....... give it a try. What have you got to loose. Thanks for the post.

EXACTLY..... It's already broke.... what harm can I do to it by taking it apart and looking....

 

[daveomak]

What kind of smoker do you have that needs a starter ???


Gary

Starter repair on my lawn tractor.......

I guess you didn't read the title of the thread..... paybacks are a bitch.......

 

[dcarch]

Ferrite magnets are not easy to glue. They kind of have a powdery surface. Also, you need to use high temperature epoxy . Starter motor can get very hot.

Good job.

dcarch

 

[bluewhisper]

This reminds me of when it cost me $12 to replace a drive belt in the 1970s clothes dryer I have. Starting from dead, what's there to lose?

Hm, but if this has to do with smoking, I wonder if I can convert it to the first tumble smoker on this board...already has a gas burner...

 

[daveomak]

Ferrite magnets are not easy to glue. They kind of have a powdery surface. Also, you need to use high temperature epoxy . Starter motor can get very hot.

Good job.

dcarch

Originally I thought heat from the air cooled engine could have been the culprit.... but when I checked, the magnet that let go was on the "outboard" side of the starter... Maybe it was dropped during assembly and was loose.... Anywho.... I got epoxy over 100% of the contact magnet surface and squeezed.... no room for a fault to start I hope.... Vacuum should hold it in place... HAHAHAHAHA

 

[dcarch]

I know about gluing loose magnet in a motor. It is not easy to understand for those who has not done it before.

Those magnets are powerful, and they keep fighting you. They don't want to stay where you need to put them.

dcarch