Motor Whirring but not cranking engine

[Tmannion]

I have a Briggs and Stratton 18hp ohv engine I was trying to start it and the starting motor is whirring but not cranking the engine.Does this mean the starter is seized and is there any fix
Thanks

 

[Scrubcadet10]

First off i would check your battery voltage. Should be about 12.2. DC Volts or higher

 

[Rivets]

If you are getting 12VDC at your starter I suspect you starter bendix needs to be replaced. Depending on your mechanical skills it may have to be done by a shop. DIY guys can do it if they have the patience, not really hard until the very end.

 

[Fish]

The starter gear may just be stuck, if it has been sitting a while.
Also, make sure that the battery is hooked up correctly.

 

[Tmannion]

Yeh it has been sitting for a long time.How do I free up the starter gear

 

[Fish]

Normally, just getting the gear to move the first time would do it, use a ice pick or something. The helix that the gear rides on could be boogered up as well. You will have to look and see.
The top ends look like this usually.

 

[Tmannion]

I’m taking the starter off tomorrow so I will just clean and try to move the gears