Craftsman DGS6500 (Kholer PS-SV735-0016) Bent Starter Shaft Woes

[WowMike2002]

Good Day! I am working on replacing the starter on my Craftsman DGS6500 with the Kohler 25hp PS-SV735-0016 motor. Purhcased this brand new right around 2007 give or take. Found the part number just fine for the starter (3209801), tracked it down and I can nab one up for $50 on Amazon. The issue I am having is that the shaft on the one coming off the mower looks like an extension? It sits a solid inch and a half taller than any of the stock starters I can see listed with their photos.

(Pictures posted below)

This is the starter I am looking at, and all of them have this same height gear.

Amazon.com: NEW STARTER KOHLER 32-098-01-S, 32-098-03-S, 3209801S, 3209803S, 3209801 3209803 : Automotive

Buy NEW STARTER KOHLER 32-098-01-S, 32-098-03-S, 3209801S, 3209803S, 3209801 3209803: Starters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Exactly what do I do about this? I have never rebuilt a starter.. is there an extension shaft I am supposed to also purchase and install onto this? Looking for some options to get my mower back up and going.

Thanks ahead of time!

 

[ILENGINE]

What you are seeing is the worn gear part of the shaft that spins the gear up when the starter is engaged to turn the flywheel. Your new starter will look like that also if the gear is turned to the up position.

 

[WowMike2002]

What you are seeing is the worn gear part of the shaft that spins the gear up when the starter is engaged to turn the flywheel. Your new starter will look like that also if the gear is turned to the up position.

Ahh hah! I was actually trying to disengage it because I was assuming it had to move up and down, definitely stuck in its up position due to it being bent and cant go back down.

Rock on, I'll order up the starter and get it plugged on in. Going to weld that flywheel tooth that's missing back on (managed to find it) and grind it down a bit to match. Should be right as rain.

Thank you!

 

[WowMike2002]

Just an update, ordered up a standard starter.. not even a 2 minute install, fixed my flywheel with a bit of dirty welding and grinding and all is well!