[bicarpenter]

My Sears 18.5 HP tractor barely turns over with a new battery. I believe it could be the
Starter. I saw smoke coming from it when I tried to start it. If It is the starter would I
Need to buy the whole thing?

[Stratmando]

Smoke is not good. I would remove spark plug(s), might loosen things up. I might spray a little wd 40 to help lubricate the pistin(s), and cylinder wall. Then try turning over without plugs.

[DG]

Starter could be bad yes you have to buy the whole stater.
Most of the time when a heavy load is put on the starter it could be bad ground,check you ground at the battery and where it bolts to the engine.
Luck
Is this a 18.5 briggs intek,if yes how old.

[bicarpenter]

starter could be bad yes you have to buy the whole stater.
most of the time when a heavy load is put on the starter it could be bad ground,check you ground at the battery and where it bolts to the engine.
Luck
Is this a 18.5 briggs intek,if yes how old.

Yes, this is an 18.5 briggs and it is 6 years old. I do not mind buying
A starter is I know for sure that is the problem. I have been able to
Jump start it from time to time. It cranked the first time with my new
Battery, but would not crank the next day. Just turned over slowly.
Thanks.

[DG]

Does it turn and then stop when it hits the compression stroke.

[bicarpenter]

does it turn and then stop when it hits the compression stroke.

It will make one slow turn, pause and then make another turn. It would
Probable keep doing that until the battery got weak. This is a new
Battery with 350 CA. I have had to replace the magneto on two
Occasions. The motor would turn but would not catch. I might have
Demaged the Starter because I would let it turn for long periods.

[KISS]

Take the spark plug out and try to turn the engine with the starter.

You also might require a valve adjustment.

[Stratmando]

Verify voltage is around 12 volts or more before cranking.
Are the spark plugs frozen and you can't remove for a test?
If voltage is low, it will crank slow.

[DG]

Kiss is right check your valve clearance .this motor has a plastic gear on the camshaft,the compression relief goes bad then the motor will not crank .sometimes if you hook a jump to it they will turn a little better.
Luck

[Stratmando]

I still think removing the plugs is the Fastest, cheapest test.
If you are a Mechanic and Have time/money on your hands, adjust valves, may as well do filters and spark plugs etc.

[bicarpenter]

Kiss is right check your valve clearance .this motor has a plastic gear on the camshaft,the compression relief goes bad then the motor will not crank .sometimes if you hook a jump to it they will turn a little better.
luck

I adjusted the valve, it cranked up first, second and third time with no
Hesitation. I hope that took care of my problem. Thanks

[DG]

Glad to here it .
GOOD JOB!

[ucfargis1]

Mine did likewize. Plastic bendix gear was binding and I replaced it after killing 2 batteries and having to recharge them.