polaris ranger starter problems

James.Neitzel · #1 (**permalink**) 10-22-2010, 04:50 AM

Hello ATV Forum Members, I am in need of assistance figuring out what is wrong with my starter. First signs were the starter was sticking and would not spin freely to start the engine. I pulled the starter out, what a task that was. I opened up the starter to find the the positive brush was completely worn out. I ordered the part, replaced it and reinstalled the starter. Now the starter spins freely but does not engage the flywheel. I do not have a repair manual. During removal I did not see anything attached on the end of the spline gear shaft. I looked at the nose cone housing and inspected the gear the spline gear turns. The gear teeth were also in excellent condition. So what did I do wrong?

**blueline15** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-22-2010, 05:14 AM

Sounds like in some way your starter bendix isn't engaging the flywheel

James.Neitzel · #3 (**permalink**) 10-22-2010, 07:07 AM

Thanks, but what would cause the abbendix not to engage? It was working before.

James.Neitzel · #4 (**permalink**) 10-22-2010, 01:29 PM

Anyone know how to change the direction the way a starter spins?

4getful2 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-22-2010, 02:03 PM

while it is possible to reverse rotation on the starter motor( reverse polarity). it is not possible to do that with your machine or with the starter mounted to your machine , the wiring is not designed to do that . you will have to remove the starter. with the starter removed ,using a set of jumper cables ,you can check the starters operation , but it does sound, from what was written thus far that the starter drive is at fault ,unless the starter itself was not aligned properly

James.Neitzel · #6 (**permalink**) 10-22-2010, 03:32 PM

I will pull it out again on Tuesday, next week. Is it possible to not align it properly, there are only two mounting bolt holes?

I'll keep you posted, thanks for the reply.

4getful2 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-23-2010, 12:41 AM

i meant not quite aligned with the starter drive,you may try a little grease on the end off the starter to help align with the starter drive

James.Neitzel · #8 (**permalink**) 10-23-2010, 02:15 PM

I did put some synthetic high temp grease on the bendix gear and at the end of the starter shaft, but that doesn't mean it is aligned properly. I am going to check the basics one more time before I pull the starter all the way out. I will check the battery with a load test, perform a voltage drop test at the solenoid and at the starter. I will also disconnect, clean and retighten all electrical connections from the battery to the starter solenoid and starter, just to make sure. Is there any way to test the bendix without pulling the stator cover? I turned the bendix gear visible through the starter mouning hole with my finger in both directions and it performed as it normally does I think; in one direction it spins freely and the other directions it stops and you can feel the spring tension that forces the gear to make contact with the flywheel. Thanks for the reply.