Tecumseh VLV Technician's Handbook page 56

Problem
Motor stalls under load.
Intermittent operation.
Sluggish disengagement
of the drive assembly
pinion gear.
13-7
Table 3. Troubleshooting 12 Volt Starters (Continued)
Probable Cause
Shorted field coil.
Shorted or open armature.
Break in electrical circuit.
Loose or faulty electrical
connections.
Dirty or oily commutator.
Brushes binding in holders.
Open armature.
Dirt and oil on assembly and
armature shaft.
Bent armature.
Remedy and Reference
Correct, or replace housing assembly.
Replace armature.
Disconnect ignition cut-off wire at the engine.
Crank engine, if spark, check ignition switch,
safety switch and interlock switch. Check
wires for poor connections, cuts or breaks.
Correct.
Clean and dress commutator.
Free up brushes. Replace worn brushes and
those which have come in contact with
grease and oil.
Replace armature and interlock switch.
Clean drive assembly and armature shaft
and relubricate shaft splines.
Replace armature.
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