Toro 521 electric starter repair

hwm · 12-09-2007, 03:31 PM

Does anyone have step-by-step instructions for repairing the electric start motor on a Toro 521 Snowblower. It does not engage the flywheel when the starter button is depressed. I've removed it, soaked the shaft in WD40. The gear will move up and down the shaft by hand, but I understand it is supposed to snap back once released, which it does not do. Is this a DIY fix or do I need to take it somewhere. If so where?

Thanks

redline · 12-11-2007, 07:22 PM

Can you post a photo?

hwm · 12-12-2007, 12:05 AM

Working on it. It's a simple arrangement, an electric motor that bolts onto the side of the blower. The shaft has a heavy gear that can slide back and forth on the shaft with a spring around the shaft between it and the motor. The gear engages the flywheel at one point and I think pushed down the shaft and disengaged by centrifigal force when the engine catches.

Bondo · 12-12-2007, 07:21 AM

Ayuh,.....

The odds are the Bendix Drive is worn out,+ you need a New starter.......

hwm · 12-12-2007, 10:28 PM

Since I've used it about 10 times, it may have rotted out, but I doubt it wore out. Would disuse cause the failure? If so, I'll just pull start the damn thing. It would make no sense to get another one just to have the same thing happen. It sure is nice to have on sub-zero days and tough conditions, so I'd rather fix it.