HOW-TO Replace A Lawn Tractor Starter

In this video I quickly diagnose a faulty lawn tractor starter and show you how to replace it.
Starter in video is part #32 098 03-s from Kohler
Buy starter here; www.discountonlineparts.com/l...
Don’t forget to click the 🔔 to turn on Video Notifications for more money saving videos and tips, featuring all the brands like Stihl, Husky, Husqvarna, Honda, Echo, Tecumseh, Dolmar, Makita, Poulan, Ariens, Briggs and Stratton, Murray, John Deere, Craftsman, MTD, AYP, etc.
Help me make videos or buy me a beer!!
/ donyboy73
Connect with me on these social media spaces (plus that's where I announce contest winners)
Facebook: / donyboy73-the-small-en...
Twitter: / donyboy73
Instagram: / donyboy73
If you enjoy my videos make sure to comment, share, thumbs up and subscribe. Thanks for watching!
Easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials do it yourself (DIY) to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
My favorite brands of spark plugs are NGK and Champion and are the ones I recommend.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
I have the largest Small Engine Repair Video Library on KZbin and the entire internet with over 1200 videos, just GOOGLE "DONYBOY73"!
I want "DON THE SMALL ENGINE DOCTOR" on KZbin to save you time, frustration and most importantly, MONEY with my HOW-TO videos!
Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor".
#donyboy73 #db73 #smallenginerepair #howto

[@Jdaddydu]

I finally gave up on getting into a shop to fix my mower and decided that if they could fix it so could I. I’m not very handy with engines but did find it’s my starter. I’ll use this video to guide me through the replacement this week and let you know how it goes. Thanks so much!!!

[@Jdaddydu]

And fixed it right up!

[@joebodkin6534]

I am a well experienced wrench turner. I always respect a refresher lesson.Never to old or young to learn something new.Thanks ,Donny

[@rmromanko]

There is a warranty issue out on these. I STRONGLY recommend buying a new genuine Kohler starter. The new versions are 32-098-10. I just got mine on Amazon. Amazon currently (as of 3/3/2022) has a Kohler OEM available that shows part number 32-098-08, but if you read the reviews, you'll see that they fulfill the order with 32-098-10. This is a MUCH improved starter, and it is well worth the extra money over the Chinese knock-offs. BTW - nice to touch base with you again! I closed my shop in Alaska and moved to Virginia.

[@flamingo2166]

👏🏼👏🏼 thank you, I’m an old woman maintaining a small farm like homestead and always need some repair work so whatever I can learn myself saves me $ . You are a dream come true, good honest instructions!

[@beckwil0852]

I'm a 66 year old female with a John Deere D160 with a bad starter. I watched this and thought it was AMAZING!! You didn't talk the audience to death. You were clear, concise, and to the point. THANK YOU so much. I'm going to order a new starter and install it as soon as I get it. THANKS AGAIN

[@donyboy73]

you're welcome, make sure you're subscribed

[@iowawrench]

You are obviously more knowledgeable and experienced than me... and so was an old timer who once told me a quick tip: install and tighten the positive terminal on the battery before connecting the negative. This way if your wrench happens to touch surrounding grounded metal, it won't arc. Great video as always!

[@prairiecreations]

This girl who is divorced and never had to do any of this before thanks you. My dad figured out what was wrong and took it off. Oh and mine was stuck in that top position as well. My boyfriend who lives 220 miles away figured out what part I needed to order, through picts. He also sent me the link. I bought a socket set, a nice one so I have tools for future projects. But I put it back together myself because of your video. Thank you!!!! It was easy to do.

[@tempgar]

... and thanks for your 'symptoms.' I was guessing the starter was my problem when I heard that noise, but lack enough experience to be confident. When I heard that grinding noise on your video, it matched perfectly what I'm hearing on mine. Thanks!

[@alexcamacho712]

Thank You! I was able to repair my riding mower by watching your video. 2 thumbs up!

[@semco72057]

I was glad to find this video from you since I have to replace the starter on my mower today, and also replace the seat on my lawn mower as well. The mower have been giving me problems for the last two seasons, and when it failed to start after turning the mower off and not starting again, I decided that it was time to replace this part. My neighbor told me last Summer that I would have to replace the starter soon, but I forgot to get a new one until it would not start last Friday after I stopped it. Thanks so much for your video and I hope you all are having a nice week up there.

[@learitee444]

Always great video-tutorials; yourself, and Eric the Car Guy are my go-to videos for engine repair.

[@yellowannie22]

your videos are SO INFORMATIVE, I GO TO YOU FOR ALL MY TRACTOR NEEDS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH

[@reginaldharrison8650]

I learned a lot from Donyboy he is a great teacher even I can follow him step by step well done

[@aleblanc3547]

Nice, simple fix. Thanks Dony.

[@drmariopepper4354]

A lot of nice tips in this video! Like the lock tite and the stuff you put on the battery.

[@reginaldharrison8650]

I no longer have the fear of fixing things around the house thanks to Donyboy.

[@jamesmullins3219]

good video, good advice, good photography and editing. Thanks

[@rickbroughton8236]

Don great video on starter change, hope mine is just as easy, thanks.

[@robeftyearian8760]

Thanks 73 for all you do I live your stuff

[@InquisiitorWH44K]

Thanks for the great video Donny. Have a Briggs and Stratton 28 HP commercial zero turn that's doing the same thing with the gear stuck on top. Even has that black cap on the Bendix like the one in your video, only I found that the nut had come loose and the Bendix was just loose on top. Wish mine was as easy to remove and put back on! Also have a Kohler on an old Simplicity Prestige that's still going strong after almost 17 years.

[@electriciandallastx9182]

Thanks for the thoughts you have provided here.

[@99carnot]

Another helpful video, and nice to see the complete job, including cleaning the battery terminals and connectors. Liked, and have a good weekend! Cool cap:):)

[@fawkurface46]

great video. I'm an automotive mechanic and I just bought a rider at an auction (don't ever do that) would try to start, seize up and not want to turn. after trying to start it 3x, it started making this noise. I assumed gear was stuck down or teeth were gone but not knowing what I was diving into I was hesitant. seeing how easy these are I'll be trying to remove for more diagnosis tomarrow. thank you

[@DoingItCheap]

Thanks for all you do. I really appreciate your taking time to offer advice on my spark problem. OOPS !!!! Caught you !!!! Shame, shame tightening the positive AFTER securing the ground !!! LOL !! Keep bringing us great videos !!!!

[@donyboy73]

did you sort out your problem

[@DoingItCheap]

Not yet, but I will let you know so we can all learn from one another.

[@mohamedalfalasi4428]

it works like magic ,, and thanks for the video

[@lukiss01]

Good stuff. Just subbed. Mine got stuck up today. Guess I'll be buying a new one.

[@zx8401ztv]

Smashing job don :-D, Instant fast start now ;-D

[@num1booger]

always look forward to something new from you sir, always likes from the wife and I here in Beaumont cally. Blessings to you Dony.

[@jamesmeacham5564]

I need to find out how to change the starter on a John Deere X-360 riding mower

[@glendasmith2435]

Very good demonstration.

[@thurm101]

Nice and informative video.

[@beachbum8215]

Nice job Dony

[@phylliskohut7431]

You explaind very well thanks

[@SteveRobReviews]

Well done !!

[@ronaldboulay6887]

Thanks. Well done.

[@MrBitcoin999]

Great tutorials

[@papalilburn]

Excellent "how to" video!

[@PamLeonard-xm8vr]

Thank you!

[@drmariopepper4354]

Yours is easy to get to. I have a ton of bolts just to take off the cover to the engine just to get to the starter.

[@geojor]

thanks for sharing ...

[@DRMVM1]

Excellent

[@Drundel]

Any chance you have a rebuild video on this starter? I've already ordered a replacement for my Cub Cadet, but I wouldn't mind fixing the old one and keeping it as a backup.

[@bobgibbs5935]

sorry to change thread carb pos , but need to know where to find a rebuild kit for a nikki carb. off of a cv15s kohler engine

[@TM15R]

Once upon a time, the best there was= Wisconsin or Kohler. If the model number does not start with "K", no, thank you. It's a shame, from some of the very best, to some of the worst. So much for progress. I'll keep my K301, thank you.

[@dosduce]

well done

[@dgriffin6074]

Very nicely done. Thank you. My riding mower refuses to start most of the time, a gradually worsening problem. When I turn the key, it sounds like the starter is trying to engage but does not. It does not actually spin the flywheel. Would a bad starter be a possibility? Also, a question about dielectric grease; is it conductive? Should one put it on before connecting the wires?

[@fred306801]

You were saying when a starter gears are stuck at the top it was best to replace the starter. Because it would do it again. So there is no way to fix ? At the moment I am working on one. Turn the key over and the starter seems to spin over like it should. Just not pushing the gear up. So I took it off and I gave it a tap and now it seems to be working. I got another starter that I will put on. Just wondering IF the old one I took off is any good ?

[@everetthooker4975]

good video

[@robertwaid2965]

don believe it or not I had a brand new starter out of the box do the same thing as the one in your video. great how to video also.

[@daveandfaithhaverkamp8859]

Robert Waid me too. Pulling my hair out thinking I’ve done something wrong. First try with starter and it is stuck in up position. Going to bring it back to dealer.

[@dinos1911s]

Great video ,right to the point. Did you ever think of doing a "If it were mine" video serie? It would be great for us people Who Don't have customers, and wants to service parts rather than replacing them . In any case thank you very much,and have a nice day.

[@donyboy73]

unfortunately because most equipment now is junk it is difficult to make a video like you mention

[@vghjndghj]

I there ! I had the same problem with mine, and the same noise. But, sometimes, when the engine had started, the flywheel was slightly touching the starter gear, and making sparks. What happened according to you guys ? My flywheel , was missing several teeth, so i bought a new couple flyW/ starter

[@johnr.6029]

Thank you. I'm trying to bench test (starter motor is removed from the lawn mower) my Craftsman Tecumseh 10 HP riding lawn mower starter motor. I see the positive post on the starter motor to connect my red/positive lead cable to, but to which part of the starter mower do I touch the black/negative to see if the motor works properly? Thanks

[@Mike-su8si]

To the top of the starter

[@patthesoundguy]

Are you using a oem kohler starter or is that an aftermarket one? great video. I like how you explain that you can repair the starter but the tractor will be back with an unhappy customer.

[@cichavlogs834]

My uncles giving me his old demo we built and taking the one at my house. It needs a new starter and battery. Will it be the same with a demo?

[@TerrapinCreations666]

The starter on mine just makes a faint click noise when I turn the key. New battery. It's a big Murray 46 inch deck with a 2 cyl. 21hp briggs and strat engine.

[@Andre-tc1wj]

I have a poulan pro and when I try to start it I hear a clicking noice at the solenoid. Do I just replace both. I don't hear that noise from the starter. Checking to see if its at the top position now

[@timothyb02]

Don how much do starters cost cause I'm 14 years old and I mow my dads lawn now and I have a John Deere 317 lawn mower and the starter is grinding on the fly disc if u can give me any info how much they go cost thanks and this video was very helpful thanks

[@TheBossT127]

I installed the new starter and I’ve still got the grinding as though the gear isn’t engaging with the flywheel. Any thoughts?

[@semco72057]

cI can't find anything on how to remove the starter off of my Kawasaki engine on my John Deere zero turn mower. I am trying to do it without damaging anything on the mover. There is a difference between how the starter comes out on this engine, than on the Briggs & Stratton engines. Do you have a video on how to take the starter off of the Kawasaki engines?

[@thejohnsons7901]

San other good tip. Thanks

[@TheWolverine-rm2kr]

Me and my dad mow lawns and we have two lawn mowers and the starter went out on one of them so i took the one off the other while it was running and put it on the other mower lol

[@Mike-su8si]

I have 5 lawn mowers and 2 riding mowers one is down for now and relying on the old john deere L110 for now but its needing a new drive belt before the cracked one snaps off while I'm using the mower that's happened to me to many times on my craftsmen

[@richardwhite3856]

So would you do the same thing if it was burned out. Just replace it and nothing else?

[@WilliamLoar-bs6fx]

Any idea where I can get a starter for a columbia lawn tractor 22hp efi engine it has a 12 tooth gear

[@redskool8498]

your the man don great vid ... was wondering if you get alot of cub cadet zero turns in for repairs as much as other tractors ? .. thanks .. †

[@simonrichard9873]

Why would you end your comment with a cross?

[@ericsmith8828]

I have a Kawasaki engine on my Ferris zero-turn mower. The starter doesn't seem to disengage properly and makes a noise as the engine starts and I let go of the key. My starter has that black cap just like the one on the starter you replaced in this video. Does that cap come off or anything? I wonder if I could buy some time by cleaning everything up and putting some lubricant on the starter gears. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks for your videos.

[@dlgluis90]

MY TRACTOR TURNS ON BUT WHEN I ENGAGE THE BLADES, REDUCE SIGNIFICANTLY AND IF IT STARTS CUTTING IT EVENTUALLY TURNS OFF. DOES REPLACING THE STARTER WITH A NEW WORK?

[@stevemcdonald718]

dony, my starter gear snapped completely off. The replacement the shop got for me has 9 teeth instead of 10 on original. part number is 3209801 any suggestions?

[@lmd6204]

I'm assuming if the positive post on your starter is shorted to ground, the starter is bad. The starter just buzzes when trying to start it with proper voltage from the battery.

[@WaveAction777]

Will a Kohler 20 hp starter fit a Briggs & Stratton 12 hp motor on a lawn tractor?

[@Tommyr]

3 clowns downvoted this? With no explanation as to why? Niiiice. Great video as always Don.

[@donyboy73]

THANKS

[@RaoulThomas007]

That's because they probably did not replace their starter. They just got it "sorta" working with some lubricant and sure enough same old problem, a few days later... LOL!

[@clintherrington4914]

Mows thin it just due will start back up and now mow so more than due again

[@marcswanson7066]

Recently I had had a similar starter problem with my similar v-twin Husqvarna mower. The symptoms are a little different though. The starter spins but doesn't engage. The dealer said that cold weather can cause grease to freeze trapping the pinion. The only cure is warm weather four long months away. He also mentioned that the pinion gear is made out of plastic. I cringed.

[@TheCobra423]

Donyboy73 I've got a question for you. I have a toro personal pace with the 6.5 hp Tecumseh motor. The electric starter is one where it comes down to engage the flywheel. It only spins but will not go down. Have taken apart and greased the shaft. Any ideas?

[@mohamedalfalasi4428]

dony u can clean battery terminals with a can of battery cleaner and water only

[@ttv_kurzy_swift9402]

I have that noise but then if i hold it for a few seconds it cranks on is it a starter?

[@willboudreau1187]

Does anybody know or have a reference to removing the starter in a 425/445? I have the technical reference manual and it does not mention this.

[@jimmyscraggs3548]

Video on how to change a starter on 14 knoler 1978

[@highpwr]

Don, did you check the flywheel ring gear for damage before replacing the starter? If the gear teeth are damaged on the flywheel it could still come back with a no-start or grinding problem. Pro-tip: Put away the drill and wire brush for cleaning corroded battery terminals. Just pour HOT water slowly over the terminals, and it will clean away all the corrosion down to bare metal. A coffee maker works great for this! Just run a pot of water through the coffee maker (leave out the coffee of course) to get an easy to pour source of hot water. Great video as always. I enjoy watching them all! :-)

[@patrickdunbar3987]

I have an older poulan pro riding mower and the starter went bad in it. It won’t even crank. How can I find the part number for replacement ?

[@jpozenel]

donyboy73 I just replaced a starter that may have had the same problem. Can the old starter be repaired for possible future use?

[@donyboy73]

rarely worth fixing a starter nowadays

[@sheri023]

My bolts are stuck, no amount of torque moves them. Stripped a 10mm socket trying to undo the bolts. Any advice how to get them off? Thanks.

[@tylermaciver7089]

I have a similar tractor. I just replaced the starter. already I've noticed the plastic cap has come off the starter. I'm worried this starter will get ruined as well. do you know what could cause this?

[@danielpadgett2831]

Mine is off to I dont even know if mine had one. It's the original kohler starter on mine good question.

[@corysgardentractors7084]

can you do a shop tour update?

[@edrasmussen6017]

Cory H *

[@ozhoo]

Holy crap...that battery is almost 5 years old!

[@au_natural]

WHAT SIZE IS THE SOCKET WRENCH FOR THOSE LIL BOLTS ABOVE THE STARTER? ????

[@mfw614columbus4]

I'd there a way to fix it while waiting for replacement?

[@resellerrunner5149]

I have a Sears Craftsman 18.5 hp with a Kohler engine, The bolts have washers/spacers with them (3). I cannot remember which side gets the extra washer/spacer? I thought came off of the left side? Any clue? Starter is the 25-098-03

[@donyboy73]

i'm not sure, but remember you're not working on the space shuttle so everything will be ok

[@danielpadgett2831]

Dony question my kohler starter did the same thing this one did I ordered a new one off Amazon with the part number but that black cap thing on top of the starter my original one didnt have it on there does that thing make a difference?

[@donyboy73]

makes no difference, yours originally had a cap but must have come off

[@danielpadgett2831]

@@donyboy73 thank you so much dony for taking the time to answer my question I hope you and your family are doing well y'all stay safe and god bless

[@berardia4]

Is there a rod knock in that engine.

[@Mike-su8si]

I think it might have been just a little

[@chrissapp9507]

Wouldn't you want to check the flywheel teeth for damage or if the starter gear a weaker metal?

[@donyboy73]

yes I totally forgot to mention the flywheel teeth were ok

[@NeHcoBy]

Sure pick the easiest one to do

[@SteveStubbert]

My starter has a plastic gear. I keep breaking them. The now within a couple of days. Flywheel is good gear springs back down good. It will start the machine a couple of times and then the next time I try, the gear is broken in half. I am wondering if there is a problem with the ignition switch that is engaging the starter while the motor is running. Ever see that? I am stumped on this one.

[@wizdom705]

Hey Donny, weird question but can I power wash the inside of the tractor with the hood up, (how you have the tractor in the video) The inside of mine is so gunked up it needs a wash

[@donyboy73]

I do it all the time but be careful. Then I let it dry in the sun.

[@wizdom705]

@@donyboy73 your the man thank so much 🤜🤛

[@neilfigueredo7041]

I have a Toro 50 in sit on mower. Model 13AP60RP744 I've replaced the drive belt twice and it still flops around and makes a lot of noise when the drive pedal is not depressed ? It's the correct belt and the installation I'm pretty sure is correct. It's just that is flops around when not engaged?? Any suggestions any one ?????? HELP

[@awesomesauce3938]

why disconnected the negative cable, it could be donyboy73 the cooking show 😆

[@johnathanvalentin7718]

Hi. I have a john deere d105 i have changed the head gaskett. And the solenoid.. And still wont start but hear a click

[@Mike-su8si]

I went to rub that grease an dirt off mine on the sticker and off came the numbers so mine takes a short Kohler pro starter

[@smokestack3327]

alright so i put on a new starter and the gear isn’t lifting up is defective or am i just doing something wrong?

[@donyboy73]

make sure battery is connected in reverse

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Dony, weird that KZbin just recommended this video to me, I just posted a video covering all 3 generations of starters for these V-Twin Kohler's. Just curious, did you ever have an issue with that starter you installed?

[@donyboy73]

yes they always break below the gear

[@EliminatorPerformance]

@@donyboy73 I ordered a Mega Fire 435-275 and the nut kept coming off. Had to use red thread locker as a quick fix before the 32-098-10-S 3rd generation starter came in. The 3rd gen looks superior in every way. Keep up the good work Dony, also the old man says hey!

[@donyboy73]

@@EliminatorPerformance Take care guys, say hi to your dad for me!

[@retromowers1973]

Does everybody here in Canada have these Moto Master batteries from Canadian tire? I've see 3 tractors this week with them, they must be cheap lol

[@patthesoundguy]

I see a ton of those batteries here in Nova Scotia. I buy tractor batteries from the battery shop. Magnacharge its called. I can get batteries with a lot more cranking amps then the batteries last much much longer, especially with the larger displacement like 700cc twins and such

[@retromowers1973]

patthesoundguy Hey I live in Nova Scotia!

[@bighurk30able]

the grease said tune up now you get 5 more horsepower

[@tink0801]

2