testing starter

[curtisbyrne]

im trying to test me starter on my m-18 while the engine is removed from the argo. i used a 12 volt car battery and hooked up jumper cables and put negative on the engine and positive on starter bolt and nothing happens.

[dirtdobber]

Sounds like your starter is bad (assuming your battery was charged). What you did should have made the starter run.

[curtisbyrne]

it was working fine before,i just removed it to check out the brushes.please tell me my starter is friged just because i took it apart the battery was never charged but nothing sparks or anything when i do it?

[Nubs]

sounds like a brush is hangin' up maybe.

[curtisbyrne]

ok will take a look again

[curtisbyrne]

i took it apart again,put them all in place tested it and nothing again. the battery has power it sparks when touching positive and negative ends together. what do you guys have made up to make it easier to get the brushes in assuming that is the problem.someone please help.

[Muscat]

getting spark from battery cables by touching them doesn't mean battery has enough juice to turn the starter. Check the battery voltage to confirm its charged. Or use jumper cables directly from your cars battery.

[dirtdobber]

Curtis didn't you have some trouble with sparks shooting out of a starter once upon a time? Is this the same starter and has it worked since that time?

[curtisbyrne]

that was on my atv,this is on my argo. the starter was good until i took it apart it might still be good but the tests wont work.

[john swenson]

if there are any close to you, take it by a small engine lawnmower shop or car repair shop and let them give it a shot. may help finding out what's wrong. j.b.

[curtisbyrne]

but listen,i can turn the starter by hand either way and it moves freely and you can tell all the brushes are on it good becuase it has a little sound to it as you turn it but its not jammed or anything like that,it turns very smooth

[john swenson]

curtis, i just punched in '' trouble shooting starter on kohler magnum 18 hp. motor '' on the computer. there are some good videos , etc. that may answer what you need to find out what's wrong. maybe it's the solonoid ? check it out and let us know what you find. johnboy

[curtisbyrne]

the engine is out of the argo. not using a solenoid just a battery and cables.

[curtisbyrne]

just got my oil filters for the old magnum!!

[curtisbyrne]

any help?? would charging the new battery up and then trying it help? the starter spins as it should bots ways so there is no brushes out of place. the starter always worked before i took it apart. need some help im putting the engine back in soon.