18hp vanguard starter issues

[Normable1973]

I bought a 94 max 4 last week, this thing is in excellent shape and was starting perfectly. We'll yesterday I had the keys in my pocket and one of my guys asked me why it was running? It just started by itself, so after work I went for a ride and it sounded like the starter engaged a few times but rode fine for a couple hrs,when I got home I parked outside my bedroom window, 3 o'clock that morn it started by itself again. That morning I got up and it wouldn't start, so I put charger on it and it clicked. I had a new ignition and selonoid on the shelf so I changed those still just clicks? I guess I need new starter?

[thebuggyman1]

This could be a tough one Norm. First chase down why it started by itself. It has to be 1) bad key switch. 2) wiring between switch and solenoid shorting to battery+ (simulating key turn). 3) bad solenoid (not fully disengaging) 4) foreign object shorting terminals at solenoid.

Why it wont start now could be the starter burnt out, battery fried, or just a bad connection. Find your other problem first or this could happen again.

[Normable1973]

I had a new ignition and selonoid in the shop so I put those on and checked all the wiring everything seems ok. On my max 2 the starter was a pain in the butt to get off (had to take engine out) on the 4 I think it will be easier. Today I'll pull it off and test it.

[thebuggyman1]

The starter can not start your engine without a supply of electricity. Knowing how the internal contacts work on the ign switches and the solenoids, I would guess wiring short, or the foreign object ......
Typically I would have thought even if one of these did occur it wouldn't engage the starter without the machine being bumped, jostled, shaken, etc. If it was not an intermittent thing it would be much easier to find. The first step is usually to find out what WILL make it malfunction.

[Normable1973]

Took the starter off tonight it was totally seized up and the gear completely rounded, I took channel locks and turned starter, it sounded all crunchy and burnt. Shaft just wobbles like bearing gone! Time for a new starter.... Always something...

[ARGOJIM]

My guess was bad solenoid or wore wires engaging starter, starter may have stayed engaged and burnt itself out. Hopefully the problem was one of the pieces you replaced, if it's the wiring it may do it again.

[fmints]

CHRISTINE, CHRISTINE!! She has a mind of her own!! Let's just hope that no one ends up missing around your parts!!!! 3 o'clock in the morning!!!! Lol!! I hope the new starter sovles your issue. I would really check your wiring. There is a MaxIV wiring diagram here on the site if you search for it in the search engine.

[Normable1973]

Checked the wiring, it's all new and correct, new selonoid and ignition that should be it. What kind of starters would you recommend ? It seems they all cost about $40. Am I missing one that is high torque? Got to order one today.... Thanx.. Norm...

[Nubs]

Just make sure it has the metal drive gear if that's what Your old one has. Hi torque starters range from a 100 to $200.00 but have the solenoid built onto it.

Hi torque starter part # 808726

[Normable1973]

I got one yesterday at a briggs dealer in savannah for $129. Got home put it all back together and tested everything, all ok, so I started her up, thew on a hoodie and rode for a couple hrs, everything seems perfect. When I parked it I pulled the batt cable so no more Christine moments... Lol... Thanx everyone.. Norm..

[fmints]

Thats great. We maybe riding in the very near future. I give you a call!!

[Normable1973]

I'm ready whenever you are, let's go to big nasty again or whatever. Weathers perfect!!!! Norm....

[big mike]

Just spray a graphite tetra mixture onto the starter shaft, they are tight and bind easy. I removed my 3 hour vanguard engine to replace the starter drive, Upon inspection and a drop of graphite the old starter gear worked like new again, Common Problem, Mike

[doubleclutch78]

It seems I am having similar problems... I recently purchased an early 90's max 4 with a 20hp kohler. I was tooling around the yard and the starter decided to engage itself with the engine running. I turned the key off and killed the engine, but the starter kept cranking! It wouldn't stop until I disconnected the battery. The second I reconnected the battery the starter went back to cranking with the key off. I pulled the starter off and it bench tested perfectly. I replaced the ignition switch with a new one and it still "ghost starts." Then I got serious and got out the voltage tester. Got 12.5 volts at the red wire that bolts to the starter solenoid. Got 7-11 volts at the green wire that clips to the solenoid with the key switch OFF. Wiggled the ignition harness that runs above the fender in between the two tubs on its way back to the engine and the voltage at the green wire shot up to 12.5 with the key switch OFF. Shouldn't green wire be 0 volts with switch off? It reads 12.5 volts when switch is on. At first I thought my starter was shorting internally or the red and green wires were somehow arcing. Now I think I have a short in the ignition harness somewhere in that fender well that looks darn near impossible to get to... Tried to pull out the wiring harness but it is tied too short into the tail light harness to really get it anywhere. Do I have to split the tubs to get this harness out? Please tell me what to do.