Gear of starter motor won't engage in flywheel to run the tractor

If it is like most Sears lawn tractors, the starter motor gear that engages the flywheel is a composite (read: plastic) pice that over time will wear out. When that happens it will just grind on the flywheel and not start the tractor. The gear is usually installed in the starter motor shaft with a washer, spring, and roll pin. The gear can be purchased and replaced without replacing the entire starter.

The keys are not dropping in the clutch fan. Lightly tap with hammer before attempting to start. Will need to replace eventually.

probably the starter is spinning but not engaging the fly heel, this hapens when the mechignizem that pushes the gears up to the flywheel gose out, can be fixed with a new starter.

May need a new bendix gear! Check the teeth on the starter gear, and the flywheel!

take it off and see if the gear is broken (you can buy the gear at napa)or did the shaft the gear rides on got a little rusty over the winter

sounds like a push rod came off in the engine

The solenoid does two things -- it closes an electrical contact to run the starter motor, and also pulls a lever to slide the motor gear up to engage the flywheel. Since the contact is closing, the solenoid itself must be OK, but the lever could be broken, or the sliding gear could be binding or stripped. Since you're looking at a probable replacement, try cleaning with compressed air, then squirting some WD-40 into the starter gear area - you could get lucky! Otherwise, you can replace the starter/solenoid assembly -- you can find replacements on eBay for about $80. Less expensive but more time consuming is to remove the assembly, disassemble, and replace just the defective parts if you can find them. Good luck! Please rate my answer if helpful, thanks.

Starter motor spins, but does not engage

1. Check the starter motor for a seized or binding pinion gear.
2. Remove the flywheel inspection plate and check for a damaged ring gear.
3. Engine stalls immediately when started
   1. Check the ignition switch condition and operation. The electrical contacts in the run position may be worn or damaged. Try restarting the engine with all electrical accessories in the off position. Sometimes turning the key on an off will help in emergency situations, however once the switch has shown signs of failure, it should be replaced as soon as possible.
   2. Check for loose, corroded, damaged or shorted wires for the ignition system and repair or replace.
   3. Check for manifold vacuum leaks or vacuum hose leakage and repair or replace parts as necessary.
   4. Measure the fuel pump delivery volume and pressure. Low fuel pump pressure can also be noticed as a lack of power when accelerating. Make sure the fuel pump lines are not restricted. The fuel pump output is not adjustable and requires fuel pump replacement to repair.
   5. Check the engine fuel and ignition management system. Inspect the sensor wiring and electrical connectors. A dirty, loose or damaged sensor or control module wire can simulate a failed component.
   6. Check the exhaust system for internal restrictions.

No you dont need a new starter, the gear is stuck.
Try WD40 and gently free it with a screwdriver.

318's are known to have flywheel problems and poor engagement of the starter due to incorrect alignment of the starter to the ring gear.To check either of these things you need to take the motor out of the tractor to look at the ring gear,starter drive and starter aliggnment.Before you go through this pain replace the ignition switch or have it tested.p.s deere only supplies a replacement flywheel but a ring gear can be ordered through a case dealer if you get it for a stinner with the onan engine.