Argo starters freezing up from the cold

[jadawg27]

We have 2 2005 avengers with the Kohler 25hp motors we took them ice fishing and got stranded both of them the starters froze up. We used our my buddy heaters inside and he can for about 20 minutes then they both started. Again in the morning same problem. Anybody ever have this? Any way to prevent it from happening?

[ARGOJIM]

Are you certain it's the starter and not the key switch?

If so, I'd say take them apart and clean everthing.

Is it the starter motor or the solenoid? If just the solenoid, replace that.

[jadawg27]

The ignition is turning fine and I hear the solenoid clicking so I’m assuming it’s the starter itself?

[ARGOJIM]

I think the first thing i would do is clean all the terminals and remove the starter to clean the housing and the block to see if it has a connection/ground issue when things shrink.

Try that first if in the boonies.

[Sparx]

Maybe moisture where you guys store your units? I had swamped my unit and it did the same until I got it nice and dried out and no issues no more. Our tarp tents are horrible for moisture, so I try to keep them stored in an enclosed trailer or garage. I was using a hair dryer to thaw mine out. They put out just enough heat without melting anything.

[Greasy argo]

I’ve got an 06 that did the same thing. I ended up taking the starter apart and cleaning it. A lot of moisture and 13 years of starter dust kept it from starting on the cold mornings. Haven’t had an issue since.

[tbone9]

Had the starter freeze up on two different starters on my Max. Since it’s hard to get the heater in there I always carry hand warmers to put on top of the starter. On the really cold days I just let it run.