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I have a Toro Timecutter MX5060, Kawasaki FR691V 23hp engine. When I start it after its set up awhile, say a week or so or longer, the starter makes a howling sound. It never fails to engage or start up but I'm thinking maybe a bearing or something is bad. Its been doing this for several seasons so its nothing new. I've just never bothered with it since it does start up. If I stop mowing for a water break, then go back to mowing it doesn't make the howl. I'm not a small engine mechanic but I can do some things; I'm wondering if I can take the starter off and see if I can see why the noise is there, buy parts and fix, or just ignore it, or just get a new starter. I've seen some on Amazon for about $40 but they all are made in China.

Pull it and lube it up, it's probably on it's last legs , starters are not very expensive , sounds like this one has given you about all it can .

Bertrrr said:

Pull it and lube it up, it's probably on it's last legs , starters are not very expensive , sounds like this one has given you about all it can .

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My starter on my Scag with Kohler Command is howling. 1900 hours with OEM starter, and probably on its last legs.

Bertrrr said:

Pull it and lube it up, it's probably on it's last legs , starters are not very expensive , sounds like this one has given you about all it can .

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Bert, any suggestions on where to buy one? Amazon and Ebay seem full of them but they're all made in China. But maybe local Toro dealers' starters are too. Who knows.

Several brands/makes/hp of engines use the same starter. I've got a lightly-used Kohler Courage 22hp starter on the shelf as a spare. Post the p/n and a photo of yours and if they're the same, I'll make you a heckuva deal.

jack vines

i have gotten several from amazon without problems

packardv8 said:

Several brands/makes/hp of engines use the same starter. I've got a lightly-used Kohler Courage 22hp starter on the shelf as a spare. Post the p/n and a photo of yours and if they're the same, I'll make you a heckuva deal.

jack vines

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Packardv8, I'm probably not much help but a photo is attached. I'm not totally sure but looking online.....I "think" the part # is 21163

Bertrrr said:

i have gotten several from amazon without problems

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Thats good to know. Thanks Bert. Now to try to figure out IF I can get the thing off without having to remove the body and gas tank area.

The numbers on this one:
1999-3140015
32 098 04

jack vines

packardv8 said:

The numbers on this one:
1999-3140015
32 098 04

jack vines

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I would think thats probably not going to work. Thanks.

Bertrrr said:

Pull it and lube it up, it's probably on it's last legs , starters are not very expensive , sounds like this one has given you about all it can .

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Before I buy a new one I think I will try to lube it before I go out and buy one. It looks like just two bolts holding it on; not too difficult. What part of the starter should I lube .... and, do you recommend a particular type lubricant?

When you have it off the machine You'll be able to tell what's worn visually I'd imagine, clamp it tight and apply 12 volts via jumper cables or some such , one end to the housing the other just touch off on the connector, it will / should spin like hell and tell you something, you don't need to hold it on the terminal , just hit it a few times and watch it spin up and listen.

Bertrrr said:

When you have it off the machine You'll be able to tell what's worn visually I'd imagine, clamp it tight and apply 12 volts via jumper cables or some such , one end to the housing the other just touch off on the connector, it will / should spin like hell and tell you something, you don't need to hold it on the terminal , just hit it a few times and watch it spin up and listen.

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I think its the gear that engages the flywheel. There was a whole lot of play in it.