How to replace Gilson's start motor?

[balooba]

Hello everybody!

My trusty old Gilson S-Twin 18HP's startmotor should be replaced.
I should remove the whole B&S two cylinder engine (horisontal axel) before replacing the start motor but I do not know how.


Above, you can see the start moror between the cylinder and the frame.
The engine is with four bolts but how is it connected to the Hydrdostatic transmission?
I can't see it, how the engine is coupled to the transmission.

All ideas, advice and tips are welcome! BIG thanks in advance!

 

[ILENGINE]

Most iikely bolted to the flywheel may be able to access them from underneath.

 

[balooba]

Most iikely bolted to the flywheel may be able to access them from underneath.

I think you're right.
But underneath doesn't work, can't access from there.

It looks like I have to take the cross joint apart. That's two nuts.
To do that I have to figure out
a) the cross joint is visible from a narrow space, but I don't know…
b) propably I have to remove the fuel tank, battery etc

 

[ILENGINE]

I am leaning toward option b.

 

[balooba]

I am leaning toward option b.

Yes, you are right, b it is.

But, I'll try first the option C.
I open/remove the four engine nuts so that the engine is loose. Maybe the cross joint - or cross joints - are flexible enough to let me lift the engine a bit and wiggle the start motor away... It is only about a centimeter or two.



To be honest, I do not really get it why all my stuff, lawnmowers, cars, washing machines have to be totally dismantelled before I can replace that small part? In this case it looks like the whole Gilson is built around this start motor!

 

[ILENGINE]

Worked on a Gilson a few years back that the front axle pivot was part of the Briggs oil pan.

 

[Scrubcadet10]

That looks like a fun project....

 

[balooba]

Yes, fun it is! I guess... I try to be smart and solve issues in advance.

In this Gilson the engine seems to be with four bolts. Easy but the bolts and nuts are well hided. Let's see if I manage to do something this weekend.

This is how it looks...

 

[Rivets]

If my memory is any good, I think if you remove the 4 mounting bolts and the front belt, you will get about an inch of clearance.

 

[balooba]

If my memory is any good, I think if you remove the 4 mounting bolts and the front belt, you will get about an inch of clearance.

I think your memory is good. Thank you.

Today I managed to loose the PTO belt, open the four bolts and look at this, image below, I think there's enough room to replace the start motor...
Looking good. If everything goes okay, then I'll have the start motor replaced soon!



Above left, the space before lifting the engine. Right, engine bolts open, engine lifted.
I marked with red the space.

Note: not easy to just open/loose some nuts and bolts. Incredible. It took me a great effort and 1/2 hour to get some bolt opened.
To be continued.