Need help w/ leopard starter

Curt Smock · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2012 4:05 pm Post subject: Need help w/ leopard starter

before '09 Leopard. new starter works on bench.
On kart push button and nothing happens. tried several batteries all fully charged.
check of voltage shows that once battery is connect 10.5 volts start going to starter. When the button is pushed it goes to 13, but nothing happens.

I'm pretty sure there's a short and I'm familiar with the conversion kit to upgrade to SS and key start. Wondering if there's a way to fix my present stuff.

Craig Diller · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 6:28 am Post subject:

Did you use the same battery when you tested it on the bench and in the kart?

Sanford Mitz · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 7:32 am Post subject:

If it works on the bench, check all of the grounds. Also check to make sure that the bendix is not hanging up. Once installed, hot wire it with 12 volts and see if it spins the engine. If it does, you can back track through the wiring system. I've had starters with bad armatures, and bad spots, work on the bench, then nothing. I assume on the bench you are talking about the complete starter drive working, not just the bare starter. BTW- a good solution is the aftermarket starter from Fastech. $ 119. and it comes with a six month warranty.

Curt Smock · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 8:18 am Post subject:

yes same battery, as well as different.

I can only find one ground and it is two wires into one that are grounded on front of engine just below the cylinder on the seat side.

On bench was just bare starter. Are you saying use armature as well?
if the armature is bad shouldn't there at least be a clicking sound?

should it be drawing 10.5 as soon as the battery is connected?

Sanford Mitz · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 8:30 am Post subject:

Not quite. I'm saying to assemble the starter with the drive and test it on the bench, not just the bare starter. Make sure the drive isn't binding up the starter when installed. Just go step by step. Bare starter=works, assembled starter works on bench= starter works on engine with 12volts to starter and ground on engine hot wired=electrical system works.
Keep working on it, you will isolate it soon.

Curt Smock · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 9:34 am Post subject:

I will. Thanks.

Curt Smock · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2012 4:43 pm Post subject:

After getting it down to the bare starter and hot wiring it still did not work. on a lark I spun it by hand and it turned. I'd disconnect the ground, reattach it, didn't work, unless I start it by hand. After starting by hand it runs continuous.

It looks new or at least remanufactured already. anybody have any idea why it's so tight?

Sanford Mitz · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2012 5:06 pm Post subject:

Check the brushes. If they are ok, you have a bent or bad armature.
Dont ask me why I know this!

Curt Smock · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2012 6:15 pm Post subject:

Scott Heavin · Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2012 6:25 am Post subject:

If it's binding, check your bushing in the bottom of the case. I replaced one that was cocked and did that. Wouldn't fire on it's own, but once it got going it was ok.
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