I have a Craftsman riding lawn mower, model #917.270930. At the end of last cutting season, the engine would turn over, but not crank. Starter made a grinding sound.

The teeth on the starter appear to have shredded. (Looks like they're made of plastic.) The sears parts website doesn't appear to offer a replacement starter, and I can't seem to find an after-market replacement for the starter.

Many thanks in advance for any ideas.

I found this site but not sure if this is what you're looking for

MEGA FIRE ELECTRIC STARTER STE-435303 or STE-435307

AYP Power Equipment Parts Outdoor Distributors AYP Search (http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-8671&category=AYP_Parts&maxhits=20&keywords=starter&go=GO%21)

800 366 7278 I have gotten Craftsman parts at this number for many years.

800 366 7278 I have gotten Craftsman parts at this number for many years.

Many thanks for the ideas & replies.

I searched around on the Briggs & Stratton website.. and was able to purchase the part of the starter that was shredded.. $25 with shipping. :)

(They sold the whole starter, too.. $200.)

Thanks again,
Jay

You can replace the top end of the starter with a simple to install kit. You need the bendix gear and you can fix it pretty cheaply. You can find a briggs and stratton dealer and perhaps get the parts from them. Have your model, type, and code #s off your engine.