I have an 1998 Ingersoll 4016 with a 16 HP Vanguard engine. When I try to start it, it sounds and feels like the starter is spinning but not engaging the flywheel. I have not had any problems starting until now. It has about 220 hours.

Hi,
First question is - did you put in a new battery and connect it backwards?
Peace,
Clarke

Hi Clarke,

No, the battery has not been changed. It has been in the tractor for about two years.

Thanks,

Dave

Hi,
Then I would inspect the health of the starter pinion; it may be nearly toothless. Parts breakdown is here:
http://www.ingersolltractors.com/PDFcatalogpages/31.3.pdf
Peace,
Clarke

I looked at the starter pinion and it looked fine (I can see it without taking it off). I could see that it just spun without extending and engaging the flywheel. So I squirted some WD-40 on it, tapped it several times with a piece of wood and it actually worked and the engine started right up. Since it was running I mowed, then replaced the battery which was couple of years old anyway. Since then I have tried several more times and it has worked OK each time. Does it sound like my starter is going bad or is there some other problem? Thanks.

Hi,
There was a specific time in the 1990's when Briggs changed the starter. The pinion would jam at the bottom of the helix because of design. My quick and easy cure was a very narrow kwik-tie beneath the pinion to let it "kick" away from the ring gear but not bottom out.
Peace,
Clarke