On a MTD 12HP Model 281707 type 0137-01, I have replace the starter, battery and relay. I have not changed the key start switch. When the key is turned to start the engine, the starter spins but doesn't engage the engine. This was the same problem with the old starter. How can I get the new starter to engage the engine to turn over?

Bob, February 2012

Person with problem: Starter spins but does not jump up and engage the teeth of the main gears on the engine. I can move the starter gears up to fit with the engine gears. However, the springs authmatically brings them down like they should be. No teeth on gears are broken.

Bob, February 2012

Not sure about your m/c But starters on cars, use a solenoid to switch the starter motor on, but also push the gear to the flywheel. I assume yours uses a different method, but all it can use, is movement, ie it starts to spin, gear, on a rotary spline, moves to connect with flywheel,( as it trys to stay still. due to momentum) But new starter, should be ok, make sure that the start gear is free to move. Does your engine turn over freely, Check alignment, if you can manually push start gear onto flywheel. Does it engage or maybe hit solid metal.

SD, February 2012

maybe the ringgear is at fault loose or tooth worn?take a torch and look inside

j, February 2012