Correct Starter For Kawasaki PA540 A

[burlap]

I've been looking for a starter for a JD F525 with a Kawasaki 17 Hp PA540A engine. The JD # is AM108615. Twice I've gotten starters that crossed with that number and neither one fits properly. The mounting holes may line up if I ground down a portion of the aluminium housing. Also, the hole in the housing is 2.91 inches and the starter is 2.75 inches. I think that is too sloppy. I haven't tried John Deere because of the $400 price. Any ideas would be appreciated. Lloyd

[MowerMedic77]

You may be stuck:cry: John Deere has had there own spec#s from Kawi for years. They always have something different that keeps you from ordering straight from Kawi and forces you to buy from the Yellow and Green.
Sorry your not the first who has tried Believe me.:)

[Tech man]

IF you have the old one(?) you could have it rebuilt.

[burlap]

I wish I had the old one but I don't. That may be plan "B". It's really surprising how much incorrect information is out there. I would appreciate finding something I could have rebuilt. There must be some junk sites out there. Thanks, Lloyd

[Restrorob]

I tried to look your engine up but that number was not listed on my dealers web., All I found in a 540 is a FC540V. Could you not install your old end cap on the new cheaper starter ?

Didn't see your post before me !!!!

[burlap]

The old starter's end cap was broken when the connecting rod broke through the side of the housing. I threw it out long ago. I've seen the engine referred to as a FC540V or PA540A, I assume they're the same. I do have a starter for a F510 which has a different number. Maybe the end cap would be interchangable. One starter site is selling a starter that they claim replaces both which I find hard to believe. I'll check. That site claims that their starter replaces the starters for the GT262, GT275, LX170, 170, 265, my John Deere number for the F510-F525, and 325. As you can see I'm still looking for ideas. Thanks, Lloyd

[Restrorob]

OK, Done some more checking and found 2 different starters for a FC540V, But one must have a revision or code number to identify which goes on a certain engine. Can you look on your engine for any numbers Like PA540A-BS03 or CS03 ect. the last letters and numbers would be the revision or code numbers. Both these starters are in the $ 385.00 range, One end cap is $ 55.64 and the other is $ 50.82.....

[newz7151]

OK, Done some more checking and found 2 different starters for a FC540V, But one must have a revision or code number to identify which goes on a certain engine. Can you look on your engine for any numbers Like PA540A-BS03 or CS03 ect. the last letters and numbers would be the revision or code numbers. Both these starters are in the $ 385.00 range, One end cap is $ 55.64 and the other is $ 50.82.....


The rev number is going to be a JD rev though since JD is a self servicing OEM. They are not listed on the Kawi dealer site. It'll be a crapshoot between one or the other.

[Restrorob]

The rev number is going to be a JD rev though since JD is a self servicing OEM. They are not listed on the Kawi dealer site. It'll be a crapshoot between one or the other.


Yeah, I kinda figured that but thought why not give it a shot.
One not only gets the screw when buying a JD but when they need parts or service also. :dizzy:

[newz7151]

Yeah, I kinda figured that but thought why not give it a shot.
One not only gets the screw when buying a JD but when they need parts or service also. :dizzy:


Well.. it's time to buy some stock in a screw manufacturer. Just think how many Lowes and HD John Deere mowers are going to be turning a year or two old pretty soon. Gonna be alot of people out there suddenly hit with why the JD mower was so cheap to buy there.

[burlap]

Restrorob,Thanks for your effort. I'll go out tomorrow and see what numbers I can find. I did find I have a starter off a F510 which would make it a 420 engine. However, it has the following numbers-128000 4020 & 21163 2073 and it seems to fit perfectly. It appears to be an eight gear-I'm not sure how it would differ. I don't know if there is some sort of power factor that might make a difference. Right now the engine is in pieces so I can't know if it will be strong enough for a while. Thanks, Lloyd

[burlap]

I checked the 525 and it has a BSOO suffix and the 510 has a ASO2 suffix. I guess I'll put it back together and try the starter off the 510 keeping my eyes open for something else that might fit. Lloyd