How To Remove & Diagnose a Defective Tecumseh Snowblower Electric Starter

How To Remove & Diagnose a Defective Tecumseh Snowblower Electric Starter
What to look for when you have a problematic electric starter on your snowblower.
Visit my channel for more repair videos; kzbin.info...
#donyboy73 #smallenginerepair

[@sherryandmark8647]

Have watched your help videos several times over the years and greatly appreciate the way you share your knowledge in such a clear, calm "you can do this!" way. Very much appreciated.

[@giovanni_soto]

11 years ago and you are still helping this guy out! Thank you sir! You have given me an education I can't possibly thank you enough. It's exactly what I was looking for since my starter is dead on my Murray 624808x4c 2 stage snowblower and for 20+ yrs of service a bad starter is not bad, just an inconvenience!

[@eml3148]

You saved me hundreds of $$! I was all prepared to get rid of my snow blower and I purchased a new starter off of Amazon for $60. Thank You!

[@eekwiet]

Do u have a link to $60 starter? Thanks

[@sharonbarnes6753]

Excellent video. I just spent $180 for a new starter and I feel empowered to install it now, thanks to your excellent video! Thank you.

[@jeffhawkins4419]

The best man on KZbin for home repairs hands down !!..thankyou.

[@stephenmehallo9271]

This video was very well scripted. I was one of those folks that held down the electric start button longer than 30 seconds, thereby burning up the armature, as you described. Thanks for the confidence you gave us in being able to perform a diagnosis and replacement. Just the video I needed...thanks! awesome!

[@donyboy73]

you're welcome

[@davecarlson1312]

Good stuff!! Very informative. You're a natural teacher. I've watched a bunch of your videos and they have saved me time and money. Thanks again, Dave

[@loubino18]

Very good video - just the facts without any drama; thank you!

[@bushmaster2936]

Haven't seen a Makita like that in years ! Happy to see how far you've come over the years, Dony !!

[@jimbodenrader1476]

Just saw your second starter issue video looks like just what i needed. Thank you. Your videos are real helpful.

[@onecreativecriminal]

thanks for the video, my electric start stopped working last winter and I didn't know why. Looks like I will be taking a look at the electric start motor.

[@nbpt1000]

I would have tested the switch first before I looked at the motor. But what do I know??? You are the pro and you know what is most likely to go. Good video.

[@robertsimonofsky3959]

Thank you So well explained so that silly mistakes aren’t made.

[@orthorad60]

Great video, thanks! Bad blower starter. Good quality video clearly shows and explains the removal and installation. Difficult loading a blower in the truck without help.

[@kimtrimble4291]

Very informative with clear explanations!

[@steveglenn9217]

Thanks Donyboy. Time to get started.

[@spicyhot1695]

Excellent tutorial! Very well explained. Thanks for sharing

[@wilvertperez]

Hello mister I want to thanks you for all the great information you share with us is been I big help. God bless you always

[@jackrodman7121]

Super professional training videos!

[@markweidner8803]

THANK YOU so much for this video. I'm not a mechanic, but you made it look easy. My local dealer wanted $250 for the starter and another $80 to put it in. I knew that didn't seem right. I bought the part online for $72.00 (delivery included), watched your video another 2 times and installed it myself in about 15 min. Why didn't I do this back in '97 when I bought my snowblower?? I"m next going to add a 10" or so piece of 3" PVC to hold the cord. Thanks again....

[@donyboy73]

+mark weidner you're welcome, it's too bad some shops over-charge like that

[@GOODY_2]

Thank you for making this. Just what I needed.

[@stevewerner567]

Hi Dony, Thanks for all of your videos. You've given this old IT guy the confidence to try some things on his own. I have an issue though. The electric and pull starter burned out on my Toro CCR2450. I replaced both with new starters. Once I installed the electric starter, I tested it by pressing it for 3 seconds then waiting about 10 seconds. It burned out on the 10th try. The pull start works fine though. I am able to return the starter because it was brand new. However, I am concerned this is indicative of another problem and buying a new starter will just burn out again. Any guidance you could provide would be appreciated. Many thanks for your time. Regards, Steve

[@joequillun7790]

Very helpful video. Thanks for posting.

[@spider2020]

Great clip thanks, even had the part number and what to expect in the way of pricing

[@yoyomamamma2260]

Good vid, I liked that you took it apart to see what happened

[@stevenbrinkman8004]

Well done video. Got a rebuilt and installed it. Thanks!

[@WhyTheHorseface]

Oh my god I just learned that the reason my starter wasn't working was simply because the two bolts you describe were loose and the unit wasn't engaged in the gears. I grabbed a flathead screw driver and tightened those two torx bolts and it started right up. Thank you very much!

[@boatmich]

very clear and concise, i was able to repair mine with wrecking anything thanks Doneyboy

[@Liberty4MA]

Great video. Just what I needed.

[@Bluechief123]

Great to the point video, thank you!

[@justinlepage7460]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@davidmontgomery3247]

Success! Thanks for the tutorial.

[@WhyTheHorseface]

Great video. Thanks. My starter sounds like the gears are messed up or something. Out to pull it apart now after 5 hours shoveling.

[@donyboy73]

@harlstr i would love to visit Australia at least once in my lifetime! love ur climate there

[@jonnysmith1516]

Thanks for putting up the video even it is an old video. My Yardman snow blower, Model 5KL, sounds rak rak when I push the electric start button. I think it is a starter. Usually, it will not sound like that. I can't find the starter part no. yet, but I'll try to take it out and look at it. I'll try to buy a new starter to replace and see if it works. Thanks,

[@rqdq8576]

Donyboy73 - We have been snowed in near Buffalo NY and my starter would not work on my snowblower. After reading your Tecumseh Snowblower repair section I was able to fix my snowblower - THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.

[@donyboy73]

you're welcome

[@reneamaya6634]

Thank you your explained very clear and have been very useful

[@misslulu1323]

Thanks for the video it was very helpful

[@garypeterson1342]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@Bigband78]

My brother took the whole starter apart to put a new gear on it.What a mess getting the brushes back in the proper slots.Thanks to watching your video I figured out where they went..The numbers on the brushes do not match those on the Tecumseh starter.If anybody has that problem the two brushes coming out the white wire have to be on opposite sides.Ditto with the Black side.Thanks.

[@chuckkasabula]

Thanks! Great video. Mine (13 y/o) behaved the same way. Odd thing is that when I took it apart everything looked brand new inside. No rust. Copper was nice an shiny. No burned smell. Put it all back together and same thing. Ever see that? Video suggestion: Reassembling the bushings. How to you go about that? Special tool?

[@thomasl691]

I have two snowblowers & I am using a shovel ! I was using a shovel & swearing at Santa until I watched this. Thank you so much. Anybody need a snowblower ?

[@user-rc1gv1ed5d]

thanks for the video, very helpful

[@michaelnelson2951]

Great video , thanks.

[@PainterD54]

I got one brand new from Amazon for $72. Works like new!

[@davidmontgomery3247]

Thanks for the how to! This helped immensely - but the issue with mine isn't worn out brushes or armature, the solenoid doesn't engage to push the gear forward. I'm guessing I will have to buy a new starter at this point. Not your fault! This video was plenty helpful - without it I wouldn't have known about not needing to remove the upper screws.

[@MrVWQ]

thanks for the video. It helped a lot...

[@gerardlabrecque6175]

Thank you. Good video.

[@rameshpersaud7131]

Great job tk U for your kindness

[@afshinmansoorieh824]

This is the best DYI channel for small engines, thank you for ALL of your posts. When I saw how easy it was to take off the starter, I tried it and right away found an issue, the bolts were loose. So, a little loctite and it should be good for the next winter. I did noticed some rust on the fly-wheel, should I spray lubricant or WD-40 on it?

[@donyboy73]

no need to spray anything on flywheel

[@playingcrazy.]

Thanks Bud !!!

[@johnmilner7603]

I have the same starter on my 8 hp-26" Mastercraft snowblower and the starter does not work every time. I took it apart and cleaned the copper armature brush contacts with some very fine sand paper until all the copper showed. All the brushes are in good condition. I sanded a bit of the brushes to even them out. And also cleaned up the windings in the case where some very little specs of rust showed up. On the bench it works for 3-4 starts then doesn't. I'm going to take the cover back off and clean the wire contacts and file the brushes flat since I have lots of meat on them still. Also lubed the worm gear shaft below the starter drive gear. Everything is clean below the front drive gear that engages the flywheel so I dought it was sticking. I tested it a few times on the bench and it works, but only works once it's installed.

[@billknoche9228]

Iove your work and your video

[@izbickas]

Excellent!

[@Fab4eva22]

Thank you very much

[@Ronan53]

As per video replaced my starter, murder getting the screw on the right back in . But she started first go. Thanks Donny Ps they wanted $270 in Toronto for the part got it on Amazon for under $150 but had to wait nearly 4 weeks

[@donyboy73]

greetings from Muskoka!

[@juanwsantos]

Good info in all your videos. My question is if is possible to modify a pull start snow blower to a electric starter?

[@ringbolt9]

great vid as always. glad to see yoou have so many viewers now. can a starter be added to a tecumseh snowblower if it didnt come with one ?

[@PGXI]

the brush assembly part is over $50..... .hey dony mine gave out early this year .what are the chances that just the brushes are worn is it worth rebuilding or not worth the trouble ? thanks dony for another snowblower season of great video`s and advice your the best repair guy on youtube ...no doubt

[@RayWhiteMMA]

Thank you for the great video!

[@donyboy73]

thanks Ray, my wife's maiden name is White

[@RayWhiteMMA]

:)

[@07480]

Never mind I did it. :-). Still getting a loud grinding noise though when it starts. Flywheel looks fine. Starter gear looks pretty too and sounds fine when not attached to the snow blower. It's a Tecumseh HMSK80. Starter is a 37000. looks brand new.

[@cyrus673]

great Video, very helpful. Thanks for sharing.. :D

[@VWWRENCHIE]

Great video. Are the brushes available to replace or do you have to replace the unit s an ssembly?. Mine just needs brushes. Thanks very much. Appreciate your videos!!

[@josephchlewicki8005]

Thankyou for your help. Prior to "Really" starting the engine....I would "spin" the motor With The Electric Starter...So the Oil got up into the engine....for very cold days. Sounds like - I sacrificed the Starter(23yrs) for the Engine - itself. Do you NOT recommend - turning engine over a few times...prior to full start up?

[@krejdloc]

So, my brushes are good , armature is good, nothing is burnt or even black and its not smelly. Plug it in push the button and the switch makes a sound kinda like a micro switch click.How do I test that switch? Is there something special about that switch that drops the 110 volts down to 12 v DC? Can I try going around that switch with 110v ac? Btw the starter tag is stamped 5134 with nothing else visible. Thanks for any help. Id try going around the switch with 110 but its close to christmas and id like to be here with the grandkids. I dont wanna short out my pacemaker or get a heart attack pulling that cord.

[@HappyScrappy47]

Thanks again Don ! That one was pretty hammered, must have smelled good to huh ?? ...LOL....I think that is the first time I have seen you use a power tool on a machine, well maybe I have seen you use your air guns.

[@Ronan53]

Ok here we go again the tube is cutting me off Excellent video just got my new starter motor crazy price in Canada Amazon almost half , started first time but having trouble with second bolt the old or new will just not screw in ? So I’m planning on just tightening the One for now and every other time I use it check it? Thanks Donyboy

[@7800626]

I thought the video was great .. thanks! I do have a problem however. One of those to lower screws broke off when removing it. Do you have a video for removing broken off screws? Any helpful suggestions?

[@williamghost1516]

WOW... I used to do electrical motor repair back in the 70's... never did a starter... but never saw a commutator so badly torn apart...

[@tommyd8578]

Hi Dony I enjoy your videos!! I have a question about my snow blower starter - one of the bolts is stripped - what is the best fix for it? Thanks TommyD

[@briansilvernale1409]

good quality videos.

[@lenp00]

Donyboy73, great video. I have one question about the Bendix gear. All the teeth on my starter gear were broken off, what could cause that? Could the flywheel be seized?

[@robinroy7155]

I did exactly what you did when replacing the starter motor.The starter worked fine in the beginning but today, on startup, the start motor just wirred and it seemed to me the inside gear didn't completely mesh with the flywheel.On third attempt, the starter engaged the flywheel and all was fine.The starter hold down bolts are sung and the electrical connection (plug) is good and dry, so it made contact.I bought the starter NEW from Sears.Any comment why it's doing this ? Thanks.

[@billperry595]

heydony,wasnt the coil o this is ironbill8,but now having trouble with starter motor it only works sometimes,it works sometimes,would it b the brushes?it wasnt the coil it was the interlock mod inside the auger housing that made no spark,thank you for all ur help! ironbill

[@basin77]

nice video about starter replacement. I will try to the same and come back and add another comment

[@reddog9401]

love your videos,i have a question. my brotherin law was snowblowing the driveway gas was leeking from the line and the engine was racing.the next day I put a new fuel line,and tried to started made a loud noise.when trying to pull the pully it seized up.whats going on with this.any help greatly appreciated.thanks

[@donyboy73]

@motorman1700 i use red oe blue for the starter and it wil come off leter if it needs to

[@donpipe2182]

thanks for the video found it helpful the problem with my starter is that the wires are broken off the plate to the armature. can this be repaired or do i have to replace the starter. It is on a Johndeer snow blower

[@chox2001]

@harlstr its a spanner here in the UK also.

[@pietro1961]

Thank you, very helpful. Do you know which spark plug will fit this snow blower? I have the exact model. Thank you.

[@garyrose956]

Enjoyed the video it was helpful, can you help with a question I have the same type when I plug in elec. the starter-starts and engages without having to hit the red button. I have to unplug it to stop. Can you help

[@chadbradley3929]

I took care of the starter as you showed and it did work but the engine died in a few minutes and difficult to re-sestart. I know that the engine works but it doesnt stay running??? What do you recommend.

[@krambraithw8]

My starter gear was grinding bad and I thought the gear was out of it. Undid the two lower bolts and thought they were a bit loose upon removal. Thought about your comment about using Loctite when reinstalling them. Took the starter out inspected the gear and that's all it ended up being was the bolts had vibrated loose enough to allow the starter to slip on the ring gear. Your video helped a lot. Thanks from Barrie

[@donyboy73]

+krambraithw8 you're welcome, make sure you are subscribed

[@krambraithw8]

+donyboy73 For sure, I did over a year ago I believe. Like the new stihl reviews as well. Well done videos and explained well. Cheers

[@rob3254]

Just like to add my two cents worth to save the starter. When I finish blowing snow, I let the blower idle at low speed to use the heat of the engine to dry out the flywheel. As well, on really cold days I go back out to the blower after about 1/2 to one hour later and pull on the recoil starter to make sure it has not frozen. This quite often will break any ice built up. The next time I use the blower, I pull slightly on the recoil starter first to make sure the flywheel is not frozen. If it has frozen, then its time for the hairdryer to thaw it out! Its not a good idea to try to start the blower when the flywheel is frozen. The final thing I do before starting is to push and hold the primer button in for a count of two steamboats. I do this three times. Then I start up the blower. My machine is 18 years old with the original starter! It starts with first push of the starter button. 😊 Thanks for this video. I was reviewing several videos today to find out why I had no response from my starter button. Turns out the electrical contacts of the starter button to the extension chord were corroded and just needed to be cleaned. Love zero cost solutions.

[@donyboy73]

@harlstr do you have any snowblowers over there?

[@dubmob151]

I was considering getting a starter installed in a TroyBilt 42000 manufactured in NY back when Troy Bilt was owned by Garden Way, before it was bought by MTD. It has a 5 HP engine with HSSK50 67323N Tecumseh engine. It looks like all the starters I've seen being sold are for the 8 to 11 HP engines, like the one in this video. Are starters for the 5HP engines different? The other video I've seen by donyboy73 show an enclosed starter gear that retracts to engage rather than extends to engage like this one. Is that the type needed for the 5HP engines?

[@07480]

Hey Doneyboy....Thanks for posting. Question.... Took the back cover off and the brushes/springs came lose. How do you hold the brushes/springs back so you can slide teh winding shaft back up.

[@alexcukaj]

hello ,its a great video i have a craftsman 8.0 hp electric starter snowblower try to start with electric starter but no lack,no sign of starting dead,i was wondering if by any chance could be the switch of the starter and how can i find out where is the problem without taking out the starter

[@donyboy73]

@PGXI if all u need to replace are the brushes then it's worth repairing

[@donyboy73]

@Liamautomechanic they usually hold them too long on and they burn them out

[@randallsaunders8927]

Was wondering where i could purchase the screws for the bottom of the electrical starter. Looking to get the ones that will take the T30 screwdriver.

[@donyboy73]

@WindyNightGreen thanks for watching

[@bobfolk78]

Thanks Dony, I have the same motor. My starter doesn't work but I have a wire coming out from the bottom of the starter that's has a half s fuse holder. I don't see the other half, what is it?

[@williamc5128]

What size Tecumseth motor are you working on here? I'm trying to source an electric start for my 4hp Tecumseth/Craftsman snowblower and looking for comparability. Any help would be appreciated.

[@gadasavideos8564]

should there be any movement of the tabs on top of starter. I have one and there is enough play that I can move top of starter in and out. wonder if I should add washer as shim to tighten up. the shoulder bolts appear to be tight.

[@ITSTHISEASY]

So mine is down and I have replaced the starter before. One of the bottom bolts fell out so I had to replace it. One of the top broke off inside the engine and I can’t get it out. I have tried to put it back together but it torques and the gears grind when I try to start it. So unless I can get that top bolt out I am pretty out of luck I believe. If you have any ideas I would love to hear them. I will replace the bolts with lock tight if I can ever get this thing fixed. I am not sure how the top bolt broke other than just age and torque.

[@s00hi9hs]

"Electric start crank but won't start up", I change a new spark plug already and is doing the same.. Would I need a new starter?

[@tomwilder1495]

First let me thank you for taking me from someone who new very little about small engines to someone who now feels pretty capable of repairing my mower, snowblower, leaf blower and string trimmer…all because of you..again Thanks! The problem Im having right now is the electric starter on my ariens 824/tecumseh hmsk80. I watched your video on removing and installing the starter and it seems straight forward. When I touch my old starter still attached to the engine, I can rock the starter upwards pretty good from underneath. The lower torn screws seem tight so Im wondering if the shoulder bolts on top have loosened up. Should I tighten these top bolts when I install the new starter and put thread locker on them? I obviously don’t want to make them to tight or I won’t be able to slip the starter underneath them. Please let me know your advice

[@donyboy73]

hi tom, some engines have shoulder bolts for the upper ones. The really old tecumsehs just had bolts that tightened all the way down. I would have to see your engine. I would inspect the upper brackets on starter

[@tomwilder1495]

@@donyboy73 Thanks!

[@NoferTrunions]

I have one that 1) 2 broken off Bendix teeth and 2) dead spot in armature. What is perplexing is that I tried to measure resistance for every combination of commutator poles and got nothing except for 3 consecutive ones. QUESTION: how would a good armature measure out?

[@donyboy73]

you're welcome