American SportWorks LM650 starting problems.

[Mike Turner]

American SportWorks LM 650 won’t start at times. Starter won’t engage the solenoid just “clicks” much like a weak battery would cause. Battery was replaced and problem went away and then came back. Replaced positive battery terminal. Problem resolved then returned. Replaced negative battery terminal. Problem gone then returned. Replaced the positive and negative battery cable ends. Problem resolved and now returned. The repair lasts for maybe 12 starts, then the solenoid just “clicks” again as it will with a weak battery. So I replaced the ignition switch. Problem solved for a week. With each “fix” the problem is resolved but only temporarily. Does anyone have any suggestions ? To replace the starter is expensive especially if it’s not the problem. 

[Alex]

Sounds like a bad starter. The starter will land on low spot. Try tapping the starter body with a small hammer and see if it cranks when you get the solenoid just clicking. If it starts, the starter needs to be replaced.

[Travis]

1 hour ago, Alex said:

Sounds like a bad starter. The starter will land on low spot. Try tapping the starter body with a small hammer and see if it cranks when you get the solenoid just clicking. If it starts, the starter needs to be replaced.

Ditto

[vaughn]

Make sure the starter is tight and the mounting points are clean. When it won't start pull the pull rope just enough to land on a different spot on the flywheel and then try to start with the starter. It could be a worn spot on the flywheel.

[vaughn]

I wish folks would follow up on their posts so we would know the outcome.

[Mike Turner]

@Travis Bad starter on an American LandMaster 650. “Finally “ found a starter. Subaru is out of the small engine business and replacement engine parts are scarce and expensive. Anyone ever  change a starter on an LM650? Can’t get on top mounting bolt. The service manual is no help and neither are shops in the area. Don’t want to just start removing hardware if it’s not necessary. 

[Travis]

Could you take some pictures or what model Subaru engine is it?

[Mike Turner]

It’s a 653 Vtwin 22 HP Subaru 

[Mike Turner]

Installed the new starter on my LM650 with the Subaru engine. Removal was simple once the voltage regulator was removed. The starter would not engage all the time. Symptoms of a bad solenoid or bad starter. Subaru no longer is in the small engine business so locating a new started was difficult and expensive.  To my dismay, the new starter reacted the same. Here’s what I’ve done so far...replaced the ignition switch, the battery, the Battery cable ends, the battery post terminals, and now the starter with solenoid. I’ve cleaned or replaced any wire terminal dealing with the starter, ignition switch and battery. I have run out of ideas. The Subaru help line suggested the starter relay but that is part of the starter and the new starter covered that. The voltage regulator is the only thing not yet replaced but the dashboard digital volt meter indicates that it is working. Max voltage output is 14.25 volts and when the lights are turned on it drops to 12.5 volts. Does anyone have any suggestions ?

[Travis]

Does this have a safety switch so it won't start in Gear?

My mule acted the same way one time, turned out to be the neutral safety switch.

[Mike Turner]

Yes, it has a neutral safety switch. If the Vehicle is not in neutral, the ignition is completely dead. My problem is not That. The starter attempts to engage the flywheel but cannot. It seems like it cannot roll the engine over. After several attempts it will succeed and the motor starts. As I stated previously, additional amps were applied and the starter engaged each time. The battery is brand new and charged. 450CCA capacity. 

[vaughn]

When it won't start pull the pull rope just enough to land on a different spot on the flywheel and then try to start with the starter. It could be a worn spot on the flywheel.

[vaughn]

  Wish folks would follow up.

[Dennis Knepp]

He finally had to replace the motor. 

[W B]

Old post but, I would have tried a valve adjustment. Controls  the decompression when starting allowing it t o turn over. Depending on where engine stops, it could be hard to turn over.

[FredTex]

I had the same problem with the starter clicking at times on my LM 700 with a Subaru engine. I contacted technical support at Subaru and they sent me a wiring diagram that had a relay switch being installed between the starter and solenoid. I took this with the relay to my UTV mechanic and he installed it and it totally fixed the problem. This was a defect with the this engine that they knew about. I think this is why Landmaster went to Briggs. .. Fred

[W B]

Thanks for the post Fred. You wouldn't have that schematic handy so you could post it. That might help others on here tremendously.

[Cliftonrite]

Fred would you mind posting or reposting that wiring diagram? I am running into the same problem. Thanks!