Cold weather starter just spins?

Hello E.,

We specifically need all the information that is stamped into the top of one of the engine rocker/valve covers. If the valve cover has been off, it could have been reinstalled upside down, so the numbers would be on the underside.

Can you see the gear on the top of the starter? If not, the top plastic fan shroud will have to be removed. They are pretty simple to take off.

If it has the black plastic/nylon gear, it may have split in half. I have that happen several times in recent years.

The individual gear can be replaced but it takes some skill and patience.
mower - 1.jpeg

The gear is under the shroud. It's going to be single digits here for the weekend so if a heat gun doesn't pep it up tomorrow morning then it's going to wait a few days. I have a spare starter I pulled of a scrapped engine but I really suspect the only issue is the cold.
 
View attachment 72467

The gear is under the shroud. It's going to be single digits here for the weekend so if a heat gun doesn't pep it up tomorrow morning then it's going to wait a few days. I have a spare starter I pulled of a scrapped engine but I really suspect the only issue is the cold.
Looks like you have the first starter in the diagram that startech posted. You CAN oil this one, so I would suggest you try that.
 
View attachment 72467

The gear is under the shroud. It's going to be single digits here for the weekend so if a heat gun doesn't pep it up tomorrow morning then it's going to wait a few days. I have a spare starter I pulled of a scrapped engine but I really suspect the only issue is the cold.
Hello E.,

Single digit weather is no time to be working on anything outside.

We are lucky and might only get in the upper 30's (overnight) down here in South Texas by this Sunday.... I was raised in the mountains of Virginia, and I respect the cold weather, but I don't miss it all that much as I am North of 60 years old this year.

I did silly things back then when I was a young teenager like out romping around (mudding) with an old beat-up Montgomery Wards 10HP B&S on a rider with no deck and snow chains on the rear tires. I was amazed that a set of snow chains off of a Datsun B210 of my uncles actually fit like they were made for the rider. (that was poor kid thinking and creative back in those times just to have a little fun and not be cooped up inside)

That was one tough old rider chassis that endured all the abuse I could throw at it.

Anyway, I'm rambling, so I will stop.

Keep us posted on your progress.
 
695708 16 tooth plastic gear per IPL.
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Caution here as this one has a replaceable flywheel ring gear that maybe steel and not aluminum or plastic. Test with magnetic. If so it will need the 14 tooth Steel Pinion gear for the starter.

Also removing the retaining ring is a pain and if you badly damage it get it off a new one is needed.
 
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View attachment 72467

The gear is under the shroud. It's going to be single digits here for the weekend so if a heat gun doesn't pep it up tomorrow morning then it's going to wait a few days. I have a spare starter I pulled of a scrapped engine but I really suspect the only issue is the cold.
Are you the dude that comes on “Taryl Fixes All” YouTube channel that says, “fire it up, fire it up, fire it up!”
 
Remove the battery from the mower. Take inside and place on a Battery Tender till spring.

View attachment 72462
I do NOT use a tender on smaller batteries. I remove, clean posts for next spring, fully charge, tag it with date and charge and keep in warm house. recharge after 2 months. In spring, fully charge, install and go. Most important is full charge when bringing into warm house in fall. PS I also test the battery using CCA meter and life meter and tag that so I know how much life these things have left.
 
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