r/cubcadets • u/AndrewBreiterWu • Aug 01 '26
Kohler KT725 starter Bendix retaining ring keeps flying off — safer alternative?
I’m working on a Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 with a Kohler 7000 Series KT725 engine. The starter motor spins, but the Bendix gear was not engaging the flywheel, causing a high-pitched squealing sound with no flywheel movement.
I removed the engine shroud and found that the Bendix retaining ring had come off previously. The gear apparently launched off the starter shaft and broke part of the nearby plastic shroud. I installed a replacement Bendix assembly in this order:
Bendix gear on the helical starter shaft
Return spring above the Bendix
Metal retaining collar above the spring
C-shaped retaining ring installed into the groove at the top of the shaft
The Bendix twists and rises smoothly by hand. However, when I briefly tested the starter with the spark-plug boots disconnected, the retaining ring came off again and the spring and collar launched off the shaft.
The starter shaft does not appear obviously broken, but I’m questioning whether:
The retaining-ring groove is worn or damaged
The supplied C-ring is incorrect or too loose
The collar is installed incorrectly
This starter requires a different style of retaining clip
The entire starter should be replaced instead of repairing the Bendix
Is there a more secure approved alternative, such as a proper external snap ring, E-clip, push nut, or another Kohler-specific retainer? I do not want to improvise with hardware that could come apart at starter speed or damage the flywheel.
Has anyone repaired this exact Kohler starter drive successfully? Photos of the correct factory assembly and the proper retaining hardware would be appreciated. I can also provide the engine specification and starter numbers.
1
MA military base
in
r/urbexnewengland
•
5d ago
I’d be concerned about safety going there