By Patrick on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I have an Argo 8x8 Response, and the starter is bad. I took the 2 bolts out that normally hold the starter in (on the end). Would not move, so I then took the front cover to expose the flywheel. I can see the starter, and cannot find any more bolts??? Anyone know how to get the starter off an 18 hp Briggs Vanguard??

Any help is appreciated ahead of time.

By j8wheel on Unrecorded Date: Edit

stick a mirror down there to make sure there are no bolts, there are 2 bolts for the starter an 2 small screws that hold the dust cover over the starter(bendix).

By Al on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Patrick,
I just had to do this on my 16 HP, probably the same thing. There is a plate next to the flywheel that holds the starter on. Unfortunately one of the bolts is right behind the starter shaft so you can't get it out. The bolts you took off hold the starter together; end cap, housing and mounting plate. You have 2 choices, either pull the whole motor to work on it, or if you can get the starter gear off the end of the starter, you can then pull the end cap and housing and armature off the mounting plate.
Be careful to keep these 3 pieces together, or you will have to have 8 hands to get the brushes back in the end cap and the armature shaft back together. There are 2 configurations holding the gear on the end. One is a roll pin you just tap out. The other is a C-clip, on this one you have to hold back the round piece(I don't know the correct name) on the gear end of the shaft, and then pry out the C-clip with one or two small screwdrivers, not easy. You probably only need a new gear (they're plastic, and wear out regularly). I reccommend pulling the motor so You can see what you are working on, and save your back, and then you can give the area a good cleaning. E-mail me if you have questions.
Al

By John Martin on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I had to take the bendix type starter off a 16 hp B&S also. On the 1998 16 B&S it has a small cover over the drive end of the starter that is held in place with a small screw and a small bolt, once this cover is removed you can see the top bolt in the plate that holds the starter on(the bottom one is not a problem to take out) I was able to use a 1/4 " drive Craftsman rachet set using the shallow socket with the thin 6" extension. I first slid the socket around the starter shaft and started it on the bolt head, then I rotated the starter shaft until I could press in the 6" X 1/4" drive ratchet extension( the key is to find the flat spot on the stater that allows you to have enough room to lossen the bolt). The socket would not fit on perfectly flat but was on good enough to break loose the bolt. It was difficult to put the bolt back in once I'd removed it. I was able to start the top bolt with my fingers and finish it off with the socket, extension, and ratchet. I know it is hard, but with a little time you should be able to get it. Good Luck

By MaxRules (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

You don't have to take the starter apart to get it off. There are two bolts that hold the starter to the engine. The mount plate comes off with the starter because it is made as part of the starter. Use a wrench to get to the bolts, probably a 12mm. Don't forget to disconnect the power wire.

MaxRules

By Acadia on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I have removed the starter on my 1998 18hp brigs both with the motor in and out. I found it faster just to take the motor out. Sounds worse than it is, I was surprised, the motor was not very heavy. While you have the motor out, greese what ever you can in the empty space left behind ! Check all you're front bearings for loose nuts. At least with the motor out you can bench test the starter to make sure everythings cool before you install the motor back into you're machine.
Good luck

By Al on Unrecorded Date: Edit

You don't HAVE to take the starter apart, But I found that easier than trying to get that bolt behind the shaft that John was able to get with a 1/4" extension, I could see doing that or using a wrench with the motor out of the machine.
Al