Starter System
6132 690 03 Rev. I KohlerEngines.com
Armature
Components and Details
A
B
A Commutator O.D. B Mica Insulation
D
E
C
C Insulation Check D Armature Coil
E Continuity Check
1.  Clean and inspect commutator (outer surface). Mica 
insulation must be lower than commutator bars 
(undercut) to ensure proper operation of 
commutator.
2.  Use an ohmmeter set to Rx1 scale. Touch probes 
between 2 different segments of commutator, and 
check for continuity. Test all segments. Continuity 
must exist between all or armature is bad.
3.  Check for continuity between armature coil 
segments and commutator segments. There should 
be no continuity. If continuity exists between any 2 
armature is bad.
4.  Check armature windings/insulation for shorting.
Shift Fork
Check that shift fork is complete, and pivot and contact 
areas are not excessively worn, cracked, or broken.
Brush Replacement
4 brushes and springs are serviced as a set. Use a new 
Kohler brush and spring kit if replacement is necessary.
1.  Perform steps 1-5 in Starter Disassembly.
2.  Remove screws securing brush holder assembly to 
end cap (plate). Note orientation for reassembly later. 
Discard old brush holder assembly.
3.  Clean component parts as required.
  New brushes and springs come preassembled in a 
brush holder with a protective sleeve that will also 
serve as an installation tool.
4.  Perform steps 10-13 in Starter Reassembly 
sequence. If starter has been disassembled, 
installation must be done after armature, drive lever, 
and frame are installed.
Starter Reassembly
NOTE:  Always use a new retainer. Do not reuse old 
retainers that have been removed.
NOTE:  Correctly installed, center pivot section of drive 
lever will be fl ush or below machined surface of 
housing.
1.  Apply drive lubricant to armature shaft splines. Install 
drive pinion onto armature shaft.
2.  Install and assemble stop collar/retainer assembly.
  a.  Install stop collar down onto armature shaft with 
counter bore (recess) up.
  b.  Install a new retainer in larger (rear) groove of 
armature shaft. Squeeze with a pliers to 
compress it in groove.
  c.  Slide stop collar up and lock it into place, so 
recess surrounds retainer in groove. If necessary, 
rotate pinion outward on armature splines against 
retainer to help seat collar around retainer.
3.  Install offset thrust (stop) washer so smaller offset of 
washer faces retainer/collar.
4.  Apply a small amount of oil to bearing in drive end 
cap, and install armature with drive pinion.
5.  Lubricate fork end and center pivot of drive lever 
with drive lubricant. Position fork end into space 
between captured washer and rear of pinion.
6.  Slide armature into drive end cap and at same time 
seat drive lever into housing.
7.  Install rubber grommet into matching recess of drive 
end cap. Molded recesses in grommet should be 
out, matching and aligned with those in end cap.
8.  Install frame, with small notch forward, onto 
armature and drive end cap. Align notch with 
corresponding section in rubber grommet. Install 
drain tube in rear cutout, if it was removed 
previously.
9. Install fl at thrust washer onto commutator end of 
armature shaft.
10.  Starter reassembly when replacing brushes/brush 
holder assembly:
  a.  Hold starter assembly vertically on end housing, 
and carefully position assembled brush holder 
assembly, with supplied protective tube, against 
end of commutator/armature. Mounting screw 
holes in metal clips must be up/out. Slide brush 
holder assembly down into place around 
commutator, and install positive (+) brush lead 
grommet in cutout of frame. Protective tube may 
be saved and used for future servicing.
  Starter reassembly when not replacing brushes/
brush holder assembly:
  a.  Carefully unhook retaining caps from brush 
assemblies. Do not lose springs.
  b.  Position brushes back in their slots so they are 
fl ush with I.D. of brush holder assembly. Insert 
brush installation tool (with extension), or use 
tube described above from a prior brush 
installation, through brush holder assembly, so 
holes in metal mounting clips are up/out.