Old and new starter motor just spins. Batt is new. Never been down, is in really good condition.

Check the housing the starter goes into sounds like the teeth that the starter locks into have been destroyed.
This would mean it is just spinning inside with the new starter, it is probably just not worn like the old one would have been so it is probably just touching hence the grinding.
Regards Craig

-The relay supply power to the starter before the starter can be turn.
-Remove the starter out and test to see it spin or not. Or any power out of the relay...? If no power out of the relay then the internal contact inside the relay is worn out.
-If there is power out of the relay but the motor just not spin
then the motor is defect.

Good luck

Mai

Titen batt cables again or chec their condition. Batt should b 12.6v. Follow positiv cabl to motor n inspect connection. Hit startr w hammer fewtimes..can make old one work

Bench test with batt charger or batt 12.6 volts indicates good batt take positive cable from charger or jumper cables and touch it to the copper stud where u would with red cable in vehicle and then ground or black cable to side of said starter watch for the Bendix or small gear to pop out if motor just spins then tap pos cable to solinoid terminal. usually marked S or I it should activate Bendix if not replace solenoid or have it tested at local parts supply.

A whinning noise is usually from the starter spinning but not engaging with the flywheel.
The solenoid or bendix gear may not be working which would require a replacement starter.
If you heard a grinding noise, I would say some teeth are missing from the flywheel.

Hey,
Can anyone help me ? I have just got an very old argocat, I think its about 1971 to 1975, it's all looks in really good condition , but the only thing is the last people but the wrong starter on it, so I'm now after a starter motor for it, ( new or second hand I dont mind as long as it works. The engine is red and a Kohler 18, magnum. I've been told that that's quite a good engine. I've also been told the starter should be silver in colour. Many thanks Keith.

make sure all of your wires sure in the correct places,if so check to see if starter is good,if it is then it sounds like a switch problem! check to see if you have power at the starter when trying to start it!

the alternator will not die in one day unless there is a direct short causing diode or coil winding failure which would give signs of smell, melted wires. Disconnect battery and give full charge. what year is this? while vehicle is running you should be able to briefly disconnect positive battery post connection and vehicle will still run if alternator is good. For a new battery to die in one day, one of two things i think has happened. Either the batt is faulty from supplier,( not likely but i have seen it ) or there is a direct draw or grounding taking place whether its direct in the starter selonoid or a direct draw through accessories. Are you sure all switches are off ? Push switches (on interior lights) nothing like dome lights,delayed lights are staying on! Does vehicle start hard like it almost needs a jump. If it has to be (and it takes time). to find out what is drawing the power ( i am old school) disconnect positive power source on batt. 2) disconnect ignition power source on starter. 3) connect pos batt wire to starter, 4) touch positive cable to positive batt post and look for spark or contact. if this reacts then selonoid or starter motor is shorted drawing the current. Or if you have volt meter and know how to use it, this is good to. If checks good then hook ignition connection back on starter.(disconnect pos terminal on batt prior to re-connect) I think the battery is having the life sucked out of it by a short in the system ( A DRAW ) this could be a quick find or fix or this could take days to track down. alot of variables here to try to explain. but i would seek into the starter first as usually this drains the battery quickly .

hav ur starter relay tested-its located by the batt-yhe bike is old-wires & parts deteriorate check plug cables n carbs ocasionaly

Remove spark plug and attempt to crank. If it turns faster (without compression) it may be valve adjustment. If it still turns over slowly with plug out check battery ground for tightness to mower body. If the ground is good check the starter by removing battery and atttaching jumper cables to pos and neg battery terminals first, then the pos jumper to starter terminal (where red wire attaches). Then touch the neg jumper to a good engine ground (I use shroud bolt). Be careful as this last connection will cause some arcing. If it still cranks slowly with the plug out, it is probably the starter.