[Fossil49]

My 316 seems to have the typical starter problem.
Onan P218 engine. I charged the battery and went to start her. Got one crank and a noise, and now when I turn the key the battery light will click on then off. I can here the relay switches clicking. I think it is the starter.

Question 1: do you have to remove the engine to replace the starter?
Question 2 : Is the solenoid on the starter and the specs show a circuit breaker, where is that located? We are getting our first snow here today in the Boston area, need to get this fixed.

 

[back_blade]

Michael,
It could also be that the starter has locked up,what this is it is in the engaged position on the flywheel and won't release.

 

[Jds549]

I know this is the simple way, but first throw a jumper from a good (I REPEAT, GOOD) battery to the starter and see what happens. You may see or hear more than you describe, it sounds like no power. bad cable, bad batt, bad connection. Looks like you need more troubleshooting before you pull the engine Jerry

 

[mike]

Michael - First step is to check your battery & make sure you are at 12v. You can use a volt ohm meter are take it & have checked. Assuming the battery is good, run a jumper (battery cable works well) from the positive post to you starter. If your engine turns over, check and see if the cable to your starter has grounded out somewhere. If ok, it's likely the solenoid.
Mike

 

[Fossil49]

I'm sure the battery is good. but will throw a meter on it. The fly wheel turns so I don't think the starter is locked up.
still looking for answers to my questions.
Do you have to remove the engine to replace the starter?
Is the solenoid on the starter and the specs show a circuit breaker, where is that located?

 

[Jds549]

Mick I am old fashioned but if you go to starter with different battery, you eliminate all relays switches and wireing and will tell for sure if it's a starter problem.
I HAVE NOT CHANGED THIS STARTER someone who has been there needs to answer this. Sorry. Jerry

 

[Jds549]

Michael, check it out.

http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/17/77352.html

 

[mike]

Michael - The circuit break is next to the solenoid. Have you checked your fuses? If your engine cranks when you jumper it, it's not the starter. I not familiar with the Onan in a 316 but my guess is you have to pull it to change the starter. I would definitely do all the trouble shooting before you go to all that work.
If you don't have a technical manual, you should get one. It's TM 1590. Good luck

Mike

 

[jdjake49]

Michael,
TM1590 is for the tractor. The engine is located in Component Technical Manual CTM2 for the P218 and other Onan engines. I checked it and the first step to replace the starter is remove the engine. The solenoid is mounted below the starter.

George of Buford

 

[Fossil49]

Well I answered my own question, you sure do have to remove the engine to get at the starter.
I did that this afternoon. The solenoid is below the starter, I removed the starter, put juice to the solenoid and got nothing. Will have to search down a new starter/solenoid..will keep you updated. Thanks to all for the advice..

 

[Jds549]

There is a link in the search for cheaper starters. If I remember right, about half.
good luck, jerry

 

[Fossil49]

I couldn't find that link for the starters.
The starter will spin OK if I put juice to it, the solenoid is toast. checked new price for complete starter, $395.00 I think I can get just the solenoid section but wil have to check at the dealer.
Thanks

 

[Jds549]

Can you use a different solenoid? Both JD and car parts housed sell a seperate solenoid? I will try to find the starter site.

 

[Jds549]

Michael, try....
http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/17/77352.html
Carl got new starter for $140 Jerry

 

[Fossil49]

I wish I saw that site http://zorkos.com/zagricult/small.htm
before I ordered the solenoid, which is about $98.00. Could have got a complete rebuilt starter for about $140.00. Should get the part in a few days, and hope to try it this weekend.

 

[crazylunker]

Mike if you have an assist relay inline from deere, try replacing that as i just went through the same thing on a P series 316. when taken apart it was full of corrosion.

 

[Fossil49]

Put the new solenoid in, if you bench tested use three wires ground the stater, positive to the solenoid lead and positive to the clip-on post. I originally had the solenoid on backwards because I bench tested it wrong. all up and running good
now, cleaned up and adj. engine and painted the frame. working on painted the skins.
picture inclosed.

 

[riggsjr]

I am thinking about putting one of these in.I just installed my 46" snowthrower on my 445.Last year I had a weight bracket that attached to the back.This year I have a hanging weight bracket on my 3 point.Everytime I move the shoot the 3 point goes up and down.Wondering how well they work and how hard to install?

 

[funnydirt14]

John, They will stop your 3 pt. from moving and it will increase the speed of the hyrdraulics you are using. They are simple to install and well worth the money.

 

[riggsjr]

Kevin,
Thanks I just ordered one.Regards,John