Replacing Briggs Starter Gear with C Clip Using Socket Method

Video on replacing starter gears with the C Clip, using a method that was recommended by several you-tubers, thanks for the tip, and thanks for watching!!!

[@noereyes5287]

I watch so many confusing videos until I found yours ,thank you buddy. You are great at it!

[@mitchcochran1998]

I had to review this video to replace this gear. The 1/4" drive 3\8" socket was perfect for mine. A couple firm smacks with a light hammer and the ring was home. This works perfect and beats looking all over your shop floor for the C ring that went flying away!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Appreciate that. I hear ya, yeah I've lost many of them before i started using this method haha Thanks for Watching!!!

[@cherylehubicsak3070]

Thank you so much for the socket tip. Sure beats buying a $60 c-clip tool!!

[@geoffwalker1531]

Hello from Ireland! You saved my sanity with this trick. I had same idea, but was using a 10mm. I will dig out a 3/8 socket

[@regsparkes6507]

the 3/8 deep socket does the job nicely, doesn't it ? I figured this one a while back, and I'm glad you showed the folks how to do this. It's a great video, Thanks.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

It does! Makes it alot easier. your welcome, Thanks for Watching!!!

[@mrwizardusa]

That socket tip worked like a champ! It took me 3 or 4 tries, but worked fantastic!

[@bengunn3698]

Saw this video just in time.I have to replace the starter drive on my mower and sent for the parts a couple of days ago.Started thinking about how i was going to fit the c-clip. I thought to myself i will find a socket that just fits over the shaft and attempt to drive it on.Dropped across your video purely by chance,thank you for proving that the idea works. Incidently the c-clip on mine had broken in half and allowed the retainer etc. to crash into the ring gear and jam up the mechanism which is why i am having to replace it .

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I hear ya! Its the best way I've found to do it. I still prefer the old roll pin starters but they are getting harder to find. Your welocme, glad to help out and Thanks for Watching!!!

[@arciefan]

Great video and love the socket tip ! Few weeks ago , did the head gasket repair on a 15.5 briggs intek on my yardman by MTD lawn tractor. Symptoms were the typical smoking at times and loss of power. After I did it the smoking actually got worse but the power is just like new with it never bogging down in the thick grass. Since then, since the mower is so old, and I don't want to have to pull the engine and change the rings out, I've added the "Restore" product to it and went to a 10/40 high mileage oil , and the smoking has gradually went down to minimal after using the mower several times and the oil I'm having to add seems minimal also. So time will tell and I'll report back on how it works out for the rest of the season. Thanks again for the great videos !

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Thanks! i hear ya! I hear ya! It does sound line new rings are in store for it in the near future, sounds good! your welcome, Thanks for Watching!!!

[@darrellpatton4008]

I've been using mowers with electric start Briggs motors for more than 20 years, and just this week got my first starter gear to need replacing.

[@cadegreyson1629]

i know im asking the wrong place but does anybody know of a way to get back into an instagram account?? I was dumb lost my password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me!

[@damarisantana6196]

@Cade Greyson Instablaster ;)

[@cadegreyson1629]

@Damari Santana Thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and im trying it out now. Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@cadegreyson1629]

@Damari Santana It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my account :D

[@damarisantana6196]

@Cade Greyson glad I could help xD

[@photomedic6978]

Thank you! video was extremely helpful. had a hard time getting the c clip off but this video helped make everything else simple. And it's hard to find quality help videos.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome, glad to help out! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@emtscythe3782]

You can use a pair of snap ring pliers to remove to c-clip. Also if you will put some white lithium grease under the plate and on the white spiral gear it will make your starter last a lot longer. It reduces drag and binding on the gear which is the main cause of the gears stripping out. Good video bud.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Thanks for the tips, will try that next time. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@cactuscooler48]

Holy crap it worked!! Took a few tries to get but eventually the 3/8ths got it done! Thank you so much. You saved me a ton of hassle, pain, and potentially money!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I hear ya! your welcome, Thanks for Watching!!!

[@mikabassett9793]

THANK YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH FOR YOUR VERY INFORMAL STEP BY STEP VIDEO💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@LSBcomics]

I'm not mechanically inclined, but holy shit, this is the most informative video I've found. It's exactly what I needed. Everyone else that I've seen on KZbin working on this are jackasses. Thank you

[@robertkortbein2737]

Easy as pie! Mine need a 3/8” socket, but 2 taps and it was in!! Thank you!!

[@brandyrebstock2505]

Your videos have helped me a great deal...thank you.

[@katepattridge8424]

thank you Frank! you rock! first time to try this repair and I did it!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome, glad to help out! thanks for watching!!!

[@joebriggs9599]

Thanks very good information. Keep them coming.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@gr8guytoo258]

This was a big help. Thanks for posting.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Glad to help, Thanks for Watching!!!

[@edcones2948]

Good video. I watched the video just to see how to put that danged clip on, and this answered it. FWIW, though, I couldn't find a 3/8" socket that would work, but a 9mm 12-point did work great. I think the difference was that it was a 12-point.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Thanks.Your probably right about the 12 point being the difference, i never thought of that. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@randallcarney1216]

The aftermarket starter gears are harder plastic, always use briggs starter gear.

[@amberbohnow4592]

Here today. Thank you jesus for this. Worked great! After I sliced the needle nose thru my finger

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

ouch! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@DirtBikeRider789]

Great clips! Thank you!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

your welcome, Thanks for Watching!!!

[@ccjcadventures2661]

This worked beautifully. it took me a second 3/8 socket to get the right fit. the first one i tried was 1/2" drive the second was 3/8" drive. was unsure how hard to hit and did it too light a few times. then i got one side to bite like you did in the video and one more rap it was on. slight tech note you said 5/16 but were holding 3/8 thanks, i recall the last time i put this on it took me forever to get the @#$%^&*( thing on. and it fell off 2 years later thus having to do it again,

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I hear ya! Some sockets are made different. I hate messing with this type! But its about all you see anymore. oops! sorry about that, I forget what i'm using or saying half the time haha Its a pain, the first one i ever did it shot across the garage, never did find it! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@MidwestMotoRider]

Awesome tutorial thanks!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

thanks, your welcome! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@Stewy359]

This worked great! Thanks!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome, Thanks for Watching!!!

[@willv947]

Genius! Thank you!

[@allenoneal6407]

Thank you for socket trick makes it easy

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

your welcome, Thanks for Watching!!!

[@gerardomireles122]

cool thanks again for your very best video fnaguitar

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

your welcome! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@jeffflowers729]

Took some doing but I got the C clip out. But that cap won't slide off as easily as yours. I've even hit it with a hammer. Almost like their's still a C clip on it. but there is not...with a lot of banging and prying it came off.

[@brucel.6078]

Great idea!!!!!! Thanks! I got the gear part on order. Was wondering how i was gonna get that c clip on!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome! I hear ya! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

there are some bad knock off gears out there that don't last long .. Great tip man !

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Yeah, i must of found one! Its funny how it stripped out on video though! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@CombatDoc54]

I guess I owe you 65 dollars. That's what I saved from having to buy a new starter. Instead, it cost me 8 bucks for the gear. I was trying to figure out how to get the gear off. After I watched this video, I checked my starter out and saw the C-ring. It was a bitch to get off, but the 3/8ths. socket thing worked pretty well. I goit it started, but after I started it, I now have a crap load of gas spewing from the little hole on top of the bottom air filter plate. The guy at Max's Small Motors was very helpful and he said at least since I got it started to take the carb off and clean it thoroughly. Hopefully, this will do the job. The motor is on a 1990 something Crapsman. it's a dual cylinder Briggs, 19.5. So, I was just out there sparing some carb cleaner in it and the dam "straw" on the can shot off and right down the carb almost out of sight. Maybe that's a sign telling me that now I have to tear it down, or rather having to "make" me tear it down.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I hear ya, glad to help out! Sounds like it may be a float / needle valve issue causing gas to spew out like that. haha i hear ya! I've done that before, your not the only one. I'll tell you one worse than that, we were changing oil in a 12 horse briggs and we didn't realize that the silver / foil seal on the oil jug fell in the jug, so while pouring the oil in, in goes the foil! Luckily we were able to fish it out without tearing it down! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@waynegouin939]

Thank You!✌️

[@Elvo7684]

Nice job

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Thanks for Watching!!!

[@dieterbillinger3956]

Good tip using the socket to replace the "C" clip. But why take the starter off. This job can be done with the starter in place. Just a little extra wiggling to get gear off and on again.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

That is true, but it made it easier to make the video at least. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@misterfixit44]

Thank you!!!

[@chickasawranger759]

Thank you!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome, Thanks for Watching!!!

[@JosephdiCaro]

Thanks man!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome, Thanks for Watching!!!

[@erozC]

On some mowers, like the Husqvarna Rider 850 with the 10.5 engine, there is sufficient space to do this job in situ by just loosening the two bolts on the starter. This way, you avoid removing the nut holding on the power cord, and have a much worse time with regards to space, have a greatly increased chance of having the C clip fly away to greener pastures, and have no solid support against which to hammer the pin home, greatly increasing also the chance of breaking the starter assembly itself. But you can potentially save up to 2 minutes in removal and assembly so for some people it can really be worth it!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

That is true, and your right if your in the middle of a job or something that 2 minutes means a lot! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@poochie49]

When do you use a metal gear vs a plastic gear? My old snowblower engine didn't have an electric starter but I want to put one on. I think the flywheel is steel, not aluminum.

[@CerebusTV]

Heck of a thing when the clip sproings off into the wild blue yonder... it's not good to let them fly free like that.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Yeah it is haha Thanks for Watching!!!

[@TakeDeadAim]

Pull the magneto/flywheel and it'll be MUCH easier. A steering wheel puller, some PB blaster, a little heat, some time and a few solid whacks of the hammer. TAKE YOUR TIME. Tension the puller, let it SIT for an hour or so, tension it some more...another hour and then give it a few taps and it should break free...after that, the hidden bolt is right there.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Oh yeah, for me its faster to just inch that bolt out with a wrench, i can pull a flywheel no problem but I think its just more trouble than its worth to pull it just to get one bolt out, just my opinion. But you are right, with it off, that bolt is super easy to get to then! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@rogerhonea5347]

Is the top of that starter where the gear goes supposed to have play in it

[@joshuamiller1548]

THANK YOU SO DAMN MUCH!!!!!

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome! Thanks for Watching!

[@fiteboss]

Look at the beveled portion of your flywheel and see if the flat plate on the top of the ring gear has a gear pattern cut into it. If it is made that way , you don't have to remove the starter and replacing the drive gear takes about 10 minutes from when you pick up the first wrench until you put everything away. I don't know if all of them are like that, but know for sure that mine is.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I'll have to try that next time, i know what your talking about, just never put 2 and 2 together on that! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@darrellpatton4008]

There's another video where the problem is dealt with. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX6xiGZul9iLpaM

[@philliphall5198]

If a mechanic has pliers for removing avil rings on impack tools it works great, used hot water pvc pipe with spit in it to install ring

[@Sheeeeeeeeeeeeiiitt]

Same exact start with the plastic 16 teeth gear. Found an aftermarket gear sold at advance auto “primeline”. It seems to be a bit stiff/snug. Do you recall how freely the oem briggs gear moved when climbing up and down the plastic shaft? Should I be able to simply spin it with just the effort of one finger? Also my starter didn’t come with a flat washer only a spring washer….any input or advice is welcomed. Thank you for sharing great repair content. Mine is a 93 Sears Craftsman with the same opposed twin.

[@Sheeeeeeeeeeeeiiitt]

Edit: actually your video seems to show your gear moves a lot freely than the after market kind I picked up. Looks like I’ll be returning

[@kennethdandurand3472]

Why did you put the wavy washer on upside down from the way it came off? Or, does it not make any difference?

[@user-gq4hj3xu9q]

Thanks

[@JohnSmith-yn8pl]

The socket trick did not work on my twin cylinder engine. I found a better way. Use needle nose vice grips & clamp the ring on the opposite side of split in ring. You can shove the ring in place. Worked very good the first try.

[@jamesaddison3035]

Love those opposed twins. Wish they made those in higher HP.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I do to! I could listen to one idle all day! I know, the biggest I ever saw was around 20hp. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@randallcarney1216]

Their torque is what gets the job done! They came in 40,42 and 46 cubic inche displacements. They were produced from 1977 until 2002 in horizontal and vertical and a pressurized oiling system and filter on some . One of the best engines produced by briggs and Stratton! The replacement intek single and twin twin is junk!

[@allenoneal6407]

Good up close video everyone else's to far away

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Thanks for Watching!!!

[@orp.olly_]

do you know why my 16.5hp hardly never starts after replacing the battery and it also make a very bad sounding grinding noise

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

It could be the starter gear is going out, or is binding up, alot of times dirty will get into the bendix gear and cause the gear to not engage completely. clean and oil it, and should take care of it. And also check the gear on the flywheel, it could have teeth missing causing that. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@InventPeace1]

wonder where we could get a metalized 16 tooth pinion gear, all I can find is `14 tooth metal pinion gear and they are NOT interchangeable.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Yeah the only way you would be able to do it is change the flywheel to one that has the steel ring gear for that steel pinion gear, most flywheels will have either aluminum or plastic ring gears and the metal gear would tear it up the first crank. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@mikemarkes4100]

the specialty tools to remove and install those clips I think run about $70 for both, pretty pricey.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I hear ya, you wouldn't think it would cost that much for something like that! Thanks for Watching!!!

[@TheWaterman1000]

On the socket are you using a 6 or 12 point?

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I think it was a 6 point, it probably wouldn't matter to be honest about it. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@itsmevoltron6334]

thank man......

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Your welcome, Thanks for Watching!!!

[@thaveitagain9296]

My flywheel won't turn how can I fix it?

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

if it won't turn over at all then either the engine is locked up, starter gear stuck or the belts are engaged on it. thanks for watching!!!

[@RussellBooth1977]

I have to find out what's wrong with the starter motor on my grandpops John Deere ride on mower tomorrow, I have a feeling it's got the same problem,he thought it was the battery but got that tested & it was o.k.,it was making a noise but now it won't even engage with the flywheel so it sounds like the gear or maybe the solenoid,ignition switch or any associated safety switches, I won't know for sure until I look at it !

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Probably the gear if it the starter is turning on and sounds like its spinning. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@RussellBooth1977]

I checked it last Sunday & it actually has the metal gear on the starter,it ended up being the battery as the battery place didn't test it properly. I checked the valve tappet clearance which wasn't the issue, the mower was my uncles & he gave it to my grandfather a couple of years ago because it got harder to start. He never took it back to the John Deere dealer to get it serviced & checked, I'd say the starting problem was due to the fact the battery as at least 5 years old & cactus,the battery terminal voltage dropped down to 6-7 volts when the starter motor was trying to crank the engine & that's after being on charge overnight !

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

@@RussellBooth1977 I hear ya! thats good that it wasn't the starter and just the battery. I hear ya, oh wow yeah that dropped pretty low!

[@D21403]

You know why they call that clip a Jesus clip? When it shoots across the floor you yell Jesus !!!!

[@johnusevans2745]

Do you know why my 17hp keep cracking the starter

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

The gear on the starter? They usually only last like 2-5 years at most on them. If its doing it real quick the timing could be out making it kick back and putting extra stress on it, check the flywheel key and valve specs too, if the valve specs are out the compression release may not be working and putting more stress on the starter. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@johnusevans2745]

@@fnaguitarplayer9 the housing around the gears keeps cracking. Your suggestions seems logical.. Thanks,

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

@@johnusevans2745 Yeah thats what I would check out first. No problem.

[@randallcarney1216]

The c clip tool is 40.00

[@robdavis3909]

I tried a washer, it flew off now I cant find out and had to pay $8 for a 4 pack and have them shipped. I thought about pipe but didn't have any that small. A socket didnt cross my mind.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I hear ya! I hate them things haha Thanks for Watching!!!

[@rikdoro920]

Where did you get the 4 pack of c-clips from?

[@zachsgarage4714]

what's the cold cranking amps on your battery, and how long does it last.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I think its around 230 or so, it seems to good, it hasn't ever went dead on me. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@zachsgarage4714]

fnaguitarplayer9 yeah I have a 230 CCA right now and it still works, the last one I had went dead within a month or two, I'm just waiting to see if my new one will last through the winter.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I hear ya! I always take mine out of my mowers and bring them in the house during the winter, its helps alot! For this size of battery i put it in a 50 cal ammo box and it fits almost perfect (tape over the terminals of course) and i'll charge it 1-2 times during the winter. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@zachsgarage4714]

+fnaguitarplayer9 yeah I would take mine off but since it's a mud mower I leave on there, I wish I had a good reliable battery charger to charge it up during the winter, but it doesn't really get that cold down here.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

I hear ya, one of those float chargers would be handy for that.

[@josephdeffendoll3056]

There's a new invention called lubrication. Cuts down on wear on plastic parts. Bearing grease or lithium grease. Cuts down on friction too. Kinda like hog fat on your covered wagon wheel.

[@paulmclaughlin8760]

changed the gear but it just spends doesent go up

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

It may be stuck on the spiral part, it may need oiled or something might be stuck on it, i've had them do that before. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@thestephen8]

9mm worked for me

[@tclawncare5072]

Just tryed it and didnt work

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

Sometimes they can be stubborn. Its usually harder to get it off then putting it back on. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@rverro8478]

Its a shame that the gear isn't made out of brass. I want a milling machine now.

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

That would be a lot better. I know alot of the new ones have steel ring gears on the flywheel and steel gears on the starter, just like a vehicle. thanks for watching!!!

[@SammSquamch]

some of the metal ones aren't beveled, so look before you buy. really good video bro

[@robertyearian227]

I do that all the time believe me it will pinch the hell outta you if your fingers go down under the socket

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

True! It works good. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@romannessen5954]

DOES NAYONE NO WHERE I CAN BUY A 16 TEETH GEAR IN ALUMINUM OR METAL NOT PLASTIC RIP OFF CRAP..????

[@fnaguitarplayer9]

On engines with the aluminum or plastic gear on the flywheel you can only use a plastic gear on the starter, you can only use a steel starter gear on engines with a steel ring gear on the flywheel. Thanks for Watching!!!

[@jophillips2868]

Briggs & Stratton continues to plummet to the ground why would you put a plastic gear on a starter goes with their plastic carburetors that company used to be quality now it is garbage