Hi! I have a Kohler MV 18 in my old Sears lawn tractor. It was working fine, shut it off to talk to my wife, & now won't start. Starte spins, but drive won't engage flywheel. Also tried jumping solenoid - bat to pos on starter with no luck. Starter is original - 15+ years, solenoid is a couple years old. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Rich

There is a mechanism, often a bendix, on the starter pinion gear that thrusts that pinion forward to engage the ring gear on the flywheel. Sounds like either this mechanism is gummed up or the pinion gear is worn out. It's a serviceable part, though you may need snap-ring pliers to do so (not familiar with that particular model).

This may be what you need, item #4 (confirm engine model first):

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdir.../P0206129/00004

J

Thanks fort he help, Jason!

Sounds like that'll be my first project - considering Sears parts prices! Doesn't appear too complicated - just need to pry off the rubber cap & go from there. The Bendix moves smoothly, but maybe it's too tight - a good cleaning & lube should help - I hope!

Thanks!
Rich