AboutJohn C. Bridgers Sr. Expertise Small Engine Service Center Co-Owner - ATVs, Mowers, Trimmers, Snow throwers, and Many Other Small Engine Operated Equipment. I can answer questions pertaining to Most Lawn and Garden Equipment, e.g. riders, tillers, trimmers, cement mixers, chainsaws, etc. I have been repairing small engines for 34 years. Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh, Kohler, Lawn Boy, Stihl, Poulan, Mac, and Honda; to name a few.
Experience
Past/Present clients I have worked on small air/water cooled engines for 34 Years. I performed warranty work for Lowes of Wilson and other retailers in the area. I Own a Yard Maintenance and Certified Small Engine Repair Service Center.
Question My MTD 150 snowthrower (model 31AE150-302, s/n 12267B20194)has an electric start Tecumseh engine (moodel HSK 845/850). According to the manuals, the starter is OEM 390-996. However,the tag on the actual starter part number is 590670. When I depress the start button all I get is a "whine" sound. I removed the cover to get a good look at the starter. When I press the start button the gear slides over to the flywheel but does not engage. It just continues to spin then gose back to the returned position. I removed the end clip, splined washer, gear, and spring. I cleaned everything as well as possible. and reassembled. Still the same problem. I noticed the ID of the gear was smooth with no helix spline whereas the thin washer has a helix ID spline. It appears the washer pulls the gear over to engage the flywheel. As I said, the gear is moving over but doesn't engage properly. I should also mention that the gear will manually spin on the splined shaft in the returned psoition. Can you provide any suggestions as to what the problem is?
Answer Hello Jim Adkins:
>>Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool. I am Also on Vacation and I had a Few Minutes to Answer Questions.
>>From your Description it Sounds like the Starter Gear is Stripped on the Inside. There is Supposed to be Grooves on the Inside Diameter of the Starter Gear and you Stated that your was Smooth.
>>According to my Research, the Starter #390-996 and #590670 are Interchangeable.
>>Replace the Starter Gear.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If I Missed Something or you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance.
Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Be Happy. Thanks.
