I have a 4x2 Trail Gator with the 10 HP gas Kawasaki engine - about 18 years old. Yesterday when I went to start it, I heard a loud grinding noise, then nothing. Now, when I turn the key, I just get a loud, solid "thunk". The battery checks out good. I'm assuming the starter has gone bad, but when I previously had starter problems I heard a grinding screeching noise when trying to start. (This was about 5 years ago and I replaced that starter.) I'm wondering if a piece of the starting gear has broken off and lodged in the flywheel. I have tried manually turning the clutch drum (small end of the belt) and can't budge it. (I haven't tried manually turning it before, but thought it should turn the engine over with some effort - right?) Before I go to the trouble of replacing the starter, I just wondered if anybody had any ideas about diagnosing the problem - maybe a way to turn the engine over manually to ensure the flywheel is not jammed. If it is a piece jammed into the flywheel, what would be the procedure to fix it? I'm assuming as a minimum I'm going to need a new starter, but am thinking that may not be enough. I can change starters, but don't think I'm qualified for major engine repairs.
Thanks!
Thanks!