Briggs & Stratton 11hp Murray Lawn Mower Starter Replacement

[@Don_ECHOguy]

I have that same Murray tractor, it is a 1984 and I salvaged it from the edge of a farmers field. The deck was off, but at least it was their and the tractor has since been revamped and put back into service and starts and runs like a top. Glad to see other folks still appreciate the old equipment and yeah these things have an all steel hood etc. Good vid btw.

[@bobbilly351]

That is awesome! I hope you can put it to use and keep it going. This Murray, I have used since I was a kid (my parents purchased it new). Now as an adult, I have another brand/newer mower, but this old Murray is my favorite. I use it all the time as my primary mower. It has been extremely dependable and has cut many miles over the decades, sometimes with the grass/weeds being 3-4 ft. tall. I wish all products were as dependable as this old mower.

[@johnnyconley9419]

That looks just like my 1987 Murray.

[@bobbilly351]

That's awesome that you have one! This mower is from about 1986. I have been cutting grass with it since I was a kid. They are great mowers, and if you do a little basic maintenance, they will last a lifetime. Due to sentimental reasons and simplicity, along with my stupidity, I would not trade this one for any new mower. I actually have another riding mower, but prefer this old Murray.

[@stevenhascup7313]

There’s 2 wires that go to a clip next to your starter, a black and a red, the red is (I believe) to charge the battery and has a diode. What is the black wire for? What do you have wired up to that clip. Just put the same engine in my mower and I’m struggling to wire it up correctly

[@bobbilly351]

I believe the wire you are referring to is the DC source (to supply the alternator). It goes from the 2 wire plastic connector, to the B terminal on the ignition switch. From the ignition switch, the wire goes to the (-) terminal of ammeter gauge. From the (+) terminal of the ammeter, the wire goes through a fuse holder. The wire becomes red at the fuse holder and goes to the hot side of the starter solenoid. Wire from that hot side of the solenoid go the (+) terminal of the battery, of course. Hope that helps. Update: found an online diagram. Look at page 14: www.mymowerparts.com/pdf/Murray-Models-1968-Thru-1989/84-36523.pdf

[@davidruiz5383]

Glad that you are sharing your video, you aspire me to learn. Question: did you disconnect the wire from the Solenoid to Starter when testing. Please let me know. Thanks and God Bless.

[@bobbilly351]

Hello @davidruiz5383, Glad to hear that you are interested in learning. I think that is great... especially repairing things. This keeps items from going into landfills, saves you money, and makes you less dependent on others. To answer your question: No, I left the solenoid to starter cable connected when trying to start the mower. The solenoid is simply a relay switch that allows the starter to receive full current from the battery, when the key switch is turned. If the solenoid didn't exist, the key switch would have to carry the full current, which it cannot do (it would melt/burn up). The power therefore, goes from the battery, though the solenoid, to the starter. Note: On some automotive starters, the solenoid (which is mounted on the starter) also make the bendix gear engage. That is not the case on this starter/solenoid setup, however. Hope this info helps.

[@melmen2379]

I have the same mower iv had it for 3 years now only problem is you cant start it with the key anymore gotta jump the solanoid with a screwdriver lol. Still runs and mows great. I have a question about the mowing deck spindles they are non greaseable. Can you add grease fittings to the spindles and pump them full of grease? Or did you do that yourself or would you just not worry about it?

[@bobbilly351]

This Murray has been a great mower. I never would have thought it would cut so much grass in its lifetime, and last most of mine. I have replaced the spindle bearings on this mower, in the past. You are correct, the factory Murray spindle housings do not have grease fittings. Please note that even spindle housings with grease fittings are almost useless with some sealed bearings. This is because grease will not easily get past the bearing side seals, when you pump the housing full of grease. I would recommend modifying/removing the bearing seals that face towards the grease fittings. The next time I replace those bearings, I am going to attempt to do that and 1) drill & tap the housings for grease fittings, or 2) will purchase housings with grease fittings (about $30-$50 per set). I believe if you search "Murray Spindle 24384", those may be what you need. Please double check the parts/part number before ordering though. Overall, my main focus is serviceability and keeping things simple in life.

[@melmen2379]

@@bobbilly351 Could you do a Tutorial video on how to take the spindle apart to get to the bearings I just would really really hate to ruin it.

[@markb8954]

I wish John Deer tractors were so easy to get to the starter. We have to remove a cover over the flywheel, then another large plastic encasement, & the air filter, then use a T40 socket to remove the two bolts holding the starter. Bolts are located in very awkward/hard to reach space.

[@bobbilly351]

Yes, it seem like as time goes on... many manufacturers are making things more complicated/difficult. Planned obsolescence in some cases, and/or difficulty to prevent people from easily servicing things themselves. As an example, just look at the complexity of new cars. Life does not have to be this way. I try to surround myself with simplicity.

[@metalman4141]

Why didn’t you just change the starter gear it comes as a kit and not expensive either.

[@bobbilly351]

Yes, great thinking; really like your idea. Let me explain further: I might could have saved some money by just replacing the gear. Since the starter was 15 years old, I didn't need to risk more possible downtime (our grass grows fast in the summer). I just went ahead and spent $33 on the new starter. -But don't worry, I also purchased a new starter gear, to fix that old starter. That old starter will NOT go in the trash, but will now be the extra backup starter to use when needed.

[@orweyztungchiu5819]

Looks like your bendix spring disintergrated and disappeared. Good instructional video - just a little too much motion.

[@AlfredoMorales-z2u]

You don't have to be the incredible Hulk to tightning tiny bolts

[@GeorgeMcintyre-q7d]

I wish I could buy that motor

[@amathonn]

Nice instruction but I got a little motion sickness. lol

[@bobbilly351]

Haha, yes, sorry about that... it was my young helper's first time videoing. He is learning and doing much better now.

[@michaelandrecht7508]

Why not just replace the Bendex drive??

[@hgffjhg171]

omg this cameraman....

[@bobbilly351]

Yes, sorry about the shakiness. My 10 y/o little boy was excited and wanted to assist. It was his first time helping. When kids want to get outside and help, we need to promote their interests and motivation.

[@conorselby2079]

Never buy aftermarket parts for Briggs. Mothere's always by factory pafter after market parts are not the same

[@ianstewart5297]

Good idea to get someone to film, bad idea filmer moving around to much.😚

[@bobbilly351]

Yes, I have a note in the description. My little boy wanted to help; his first time recording. With his interest and desire to help, I was glad to let him assist, no matter the outcome. Plus, I really want him to learn how to work on things.