starter drive sticking

[Harry]

David I have a can of the tri flow lubricant, it works great I used it the other day. It always seems to me like it smells like bananas. Harry

[DavidBarkey]

David I have a can of the tri flow lubricant, it works great I used it the other day. It always seems to me like it smells like bananas. Harry

Thats because it is made for use by Grease Monkeys .

[DavidBarkey]

The starter drive got to "frezzing up" again . Got tired of this , so bought a new one and was fine all summer . Now twice in 2 days it is back to the same thing . The drive kicks out with a clunk , but no spin like the motor is seized , I know it is not . This starter is less than a year old . Any ideas guys ???? I heat the thing up and it works .
Note it is a P220 , so the solenoid is part of the starer . I tired putting power directly to the solenoid , same thing . The solenoid is fed from a 30 amp relay controlled by the ignition switch (positive side ) and the neutral safety switch ( ground side ) . That feeds battery voltage directly to the starter . I am obviously missing something , when it is cold it is too hard for me to work on . But when it is warm it doesn't act up .

[myerslawnandgarden]

The starter drive got to "frezzing up" again . Got tired of this , so bought a new one and was fine all summer . Now twice in 2 days it is back to the same thing . The drive kicks out with a clunk , but no spin like the motor is seized , I know it is not . This starter is less than a year old . Any ideas guys ???? I heat the thing up and it works .
Note it is a P220 , so the solenoid is part of the starer . I tired putting power directly to the solenoid , same thing . The solenoid is fed from a 30 amp relay controlled by the ignition switch (positive side ) and the neutral safety switch ( ground side ) . That feeds battery voltage directly to the starter . I am obviously missing something , when it is cold it is too hard for me to work on . But when it is warm it doesn't act up .

Dave,

Just to clarify, did you buy a new starter drive or a complete new starter? The symptom that you describe is related to the starter solenoid. It shifts the pinion gear forward, but due to bad/burnt contacts internally, it does not send 12 volts to the armature.

Not sure if this is the case, so with more information I'm happy to help.

Bob

[DavidBarkey]

The starter drive got to "frezzing up" again . Got tired of this , so bought a new one and was fine all summer . Now twice in 2 days it is back to the same thing . The drive kicks out with a clunk , but no spin like the motor is seized , I know it is not . This starter is less than a year old . Any ideas guys ???? I heat the thing up and it works .
Note it is a P220 , so the solenoid is part of the starer . I tired putting power directly to the solenoid , same thing . The solenoid is fed from a 30 amp relay controlled by the ignition switch (positive side ) and the neutral safety switch ( ground side ) . That feeds battery voltage directly to the starter . I am obviously missing something , when it is cold it is too hard for me to work on . But when it is warm it doesn't act up .

Dave,

Just to clarify, did you buy a new starter drive or a complete new starter? The symptom that you describe is related to the starter solenoid. It shifts the pinion gear forward, but due to bad/burnt contacts internally, it does not send 12 volts to the armature.

Not sure if this is the case, so with more information I'm happy to help.

Bob

Yes , I bought a brand new starter last February and installed early March I think it was .
I guess it is possible I got shitty stater , have bought this brand many times before for other small engines with no issue .

[propane1]

Just a thought. Get the part warm, then spray with brake clean.
Worked on a car we had, door latch would freeze and door would not close. Heated the latch with a torch a bit, then put the brake clean to it. No more troubles.


Noel

[JSinMO]

Could it be poor quality bushings and they’re already worn that bad? Or probably more likely a poor connection in the solenoid. I guess the question is, is it due to the cold or just a crappy after market started. Either way you’ll probably have to get it on a bench and test it.

[Spike188]

I am in agreement with @myerslawnandgarden and @JSinMO . Another issue could be that the start is out of alignment just enough that the start gear does not throw into the ringgear far enough when cold. If it hangs up before engaging the solenoid then it neither releases or turns over. It is a long shot.

[DavidBarkey]

I am in agreement with @myerslawnandgarden and @JSinMO . Another issue could be that the start is out of alignment just enough that the start gear does not throw into the ringgear far enough when cold. If it hangs up before engaging the solenoid then it neither releases or turns over. It is a long shot.

You may have a point there . It has always sounded like it is not meshing right . I still have the original and am going to see if I can find a rebuild kit and new solenoid for it . I have been so busy with other poeples stuff I haven't had time for my own .

[DavidBarkey]

Got this reply back from the company selling the starter . This guy is as dumb as a bag of hammers .


Dec 2, 2025 2:47 a.m.
This starter is already failing . I am an Auto Mechanic of over 30 years and have done all the necessary tests . Every time it gets cold the solenoid engages but does not make contact across the posts and power the starter motor . It has never worked well from day one , but it is such an job to change on this machine I left it in there . It has a 1 year warranty. PO # 702-9327462-0204258
Dec 2, 2025 7:11 p.m.

Dear David,
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Could you take some relevant pictures or video screenshots to show the problem you mentioned and tell us more details? This will allow us to thoroughly investigate and confirm the issue on your behalf.
And would you also please provide more details of your car,such as:Make,Model,Year or VIN# for us to check if there is application issue?
Sorry for the problem but wait for your further help to solve it.
Looking forward to your early reply.
Best Regards,
Frank

Dec 3, 2025 2:42 a.m.
It is on Onan P220 in a 1982 Case 446 garden tractor . The engine has to be removed from the tractor to access the starter which is 8hr ordeal . I do not know how to send you a video .
Dec 3, 2025 9:43 p.m.

Dear David,
Thanks for getting back to us.
According to the information you provided, the product does not fit your car. It fits Gehl Skid Steer SL3310 P220 Onan Engine 1983-1993 only, as described. We are afraid that you have purchased wrong item. And the problem may be caused by application issue.
After checking, sorry that we do not sell the correct product for your car at present.
According to the return policy, the full refund is based on returning the item and we will issue you refund after receiving your return package. However, your order has exceeded the 30 days free return period, so there is a return shipping cost, hope for your understanding.
In order to save your time, we would like to refund you 50% of this order without returning.
This will save a lot of hassle on returns, what do you think of it?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
Frank
They base that off this .