[uhjohnson]

My new Craftsman starter is having a tough time turning the engine over and is breaking the starter gear. Did i buy a weak(cheap) starter, if so what should i get.

 

[SSG]

When is the last time you adjusted the valves? Once the valves get far enough out of spec the compression release doesn't work and the starter has a hard time turning the motor fast enough to start. You might also check that you got the right gear with that starter, if the gear is one tooth off it'll bind and get torn up quickly. If it does turn out to be the starter itself you might try rebuilding the old one.

 

[Bill Kapaun]

There's dozens of LT 1000's with a very wide assortment of engines.
Post the Model#
https://www.mytractorforum.com/14-c...2-new-posters-please-read-before-posting.html

IF you have a Briggs OHV engine, proper valve lash is required for the compression release to function properly.
A sheared flywheel key can allow the ignition timing to be off. IF advanced, it can fire too soon, "pushing back" against the starter and breaking "something".
I think Briggs has different starter gears for different flywheel materials. (steel/aluminum)

What's the rest of the story about this? Basket case or??