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Hello Friends,

I have a JD X320 with less than 200 hours on it. I used it yesterday to do some snow blowing and it sounded like it wasn't running at full power. I turned it off and restarted it and it sounded better and I used it for an hour or so with no problem.

Today it won't start at all. Gives a whining noise but won't turn over. The lights come on fine so I think probably isn't the battery. I don't think it's a safety switch because when I tried to start it with the PTO on it didn't do anything, not even the whining.

I did notice that the brake won't lock on. I can push down the brake all the way, no problem, but I can't lock it there. It has a plastic tab that you are supposed to pull up while stepping on the brake. I thought the tab might be frozen in place since I've had that happen to the PTO, but that's not it (I used a hairdrier to melt off the ice and it still won't move).

I'm a "wiggle the wires and hope" sort of repair person. Is there anything more productive that I can try? Perhaps kicking would work.

Thanks for any help.

How cold is it where the tractor is stored? Sounds like the starter is not engaging the ring gear on the flywheel. I have an old Snapper garden tractor that will do that when it's cold. The starter motor will just spin freely when you try to start it.

Willing to bet that the starter bendix is either frozen to the shaft, not allowing it to engage the ring gear or starter gear is broken. Which engine model and serial numbers and I'll tell you if you can fix it or take it to the shop.

It hasn't been that cold (yet). It's in the 20's today. Tomorrow supposed to get closer to zero.

The engine is a Kawasaki "MakeiTorque Power system" Model # FH661V.

Serial # FH 661V-CS04-R.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Here is a service manual for you engine. That starter is rather easy to remove and check over. Check section 8, starting systems. Hope this is of help. Post back if you need more info.

http://www.mymowerparts.com/pdf/Kaw...SAKI-SERVICE-REPAIR-MANUAL--99924-2078-01.pdf

Thanks for your help. I'll don my coveralls tomorrow and dig in.

I started with the easiest attempt. I went out with my trusty hairdrier and aimed for the starter. After 5 minutes or so it started right up. Good. It was too cold to be taking things apart.

Thanks for the help.

I would take a can of synthetic spray oil and give the gear a good bath. White lithium spray grease would also work. Click the starter over a few times to make sure you get things coated good.

Rivets said:

I would take a can of synthetic spray oil and give the gear a good bath. White lithium spray grease would also work. Click the starter over a few times to make sure you get things coated good.

Click to expand...

Very good advice. I am going to do this to all my starters today.
Thank you

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I should say that there is one draw back to doing this, (giving gears a bath) if you a in a dusty area, the lube will attract dust and could shorten gear life. I have used spray graphite in dusty/dirty conditions.

:smile: I use a product called Slip Plate, it is a dry graphite and does not attracted the many earthly elements that grease/oil base lubricants do. Don B.

Welcome to LawnMowerForum!

I moved your thread to the John Deere forum. :smile:

:smile: I am with Rivets. Stay away from those greasy lubes.

I find in real cold weather grease on the starter shaft will only worsen your problim. Try to stay with more of a dry type of lubrication. Your starter bendix should have a bronze type bushing which is self lubricating. If you are having problems I would say your starter shaft is dirty or rusty or the bendix bushing is worn. Get youself a good rebuilt starter and fix it right and be done with it or next winter you will have the same problims.