16 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for Craftsman LT1000 LT3000 LT4000 LT2500 GT5000 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with Briggs Stratton Intek OHV 16HP 17HP 18HP 19HP 20HP 21HP 22HP 23HP 24HP 26Hp Engine Review

Overview

This isn’t a lawn mower—it’s a critical replacement part for your riding mower. The 16 Tooth Starter Motor is designed specifically for a wide range of Craftsman riding tractors (LT1000, LT3000, LT4000, LT2500, GT5000) equipped with Briggs & Stratton Intek OHV engines from 16HP up to 26HP. If your mower clicks but won’t crank, or turns over slowly, this starter is likely the fix you need. It’s for the DIY homeowner who wants to keep their tractor running without a trip to the dealership.

Who Should Buy This

• Craftsman tractor owners with dead starters – If your mower won’t start and you’ve ruled out the battery and solenoid, this is your next stop. It’s a direct OEM-style replacement.
• Homeowners with 1-3 acre lawns – These tractors are workhorses for medium to large properties, and a failed starter means your weekend mowing plans grind to a halt. This part gets you back in the saddle.
• DIY mechanics who want to save $100+ – A dealer will charge you $150-$200 for parts and labor. At $57.95, you can swap this in an hour with basic hand tools.
• Owners of older Craftsman tractors (LT1000, GT5000, etc.) – These models are common on the used market, and starters wear out after years of use. This replacement is a proven fit.

Key Features Breakdown

• 16 Tooth Pinion Gear – The number of teeth on the starter gear must match your engine’s flywheel ring gear. 16 teeth is the standard for most Briggs Intek V-twin engines in this horsepower range. Wrong tooth count means the starter won’t engage.
• Replaces Craftsman LT1000, LT3000, LT4000, LT2500, GT5000 – This covers a huge swath of popular garden tractors. If you own one of these, you’re almost certainly covered. Double-check your model number, but odds are in your favor.
• Compatible with Briggs & Stratton Intek OHV 16HP-26HP – This is the heart of the matter. The Intek series is common on Craftsman tractors from the 2000s and 2010s. The starter handles the higher compression of OHV engines without struggling.
• Price: $57.95 – That’s about half the cost of an OEM Briggs starter. For a part that sees heavy use and heat, this is a solid value. You’re not overpaying for a brand name.
• Rating: 4.3/5 (200 reviews) – This isn’t a fly-by-night part. Two hundred buyers have weighed in, and the consensus is that it works reliably. A few outliers had fitment issues, but most call it a direct swap.

Pros

• Direct bolt-on replacement – No modifications needed. Unbolt the old starter, bolt this one in, connect the wires, and you’re done. Most installs take 30-45 minutes.
• Covers a massive range of engines – From 16HP to 26HP, this one starter fits dozens of models. If you upgrade your tractor later, it’ll likely still work.
• Strong cranking power – The Intek OHV engines have high compression, and this starter spins them over without lagging. No embarrassing slow cranks on a cold morning.
• Better than OEM pricing – At $57.95, it’s a fraction of what Briggs charges for an identical part. You’re not sacrificing quality for the savings.
• Solid customer satisfaction – With a 4.3-star average from 200 reviews, you’re buying a part that has been tested by real users. The few negative reviews are mostly about shipping damage or misidentified model numbers.
• Saves a service call – Replacing a starter is a simple job. You avoid towing the tractor to a shop and waiting days for a repair.

Cons

• Can be finicky with exact model numbers – While it fits many Craftsman tractors, a few buyers reported that it didn’t match their specific model. Always verify your OEM part number before ordering.
• No installation instructions included – The box just has the starter. If you’re not mechanically inclined, you’ll need to find a YouTube video or service manual. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing.
• Shipping can be rough – A few reviews mention the starter arriving with a bent shaft or damaged housing. The packaging is minimal. Inspect it immediately upon arrival.
• Not for all Briggs engines – This is specifically for Intek OHV V-twins. If you have a single-cylinder Briggs or a different series (like the Vanguard), it won’t fit. Check your engine model.

Bottom Line

This 16 Tooth Starter Motor is the right fix for most Craftsman LT and GT series tractors with Briggs Intek engines. It’s affordable, easy to install, and backed by enough positive reviews to give you confidence. If your tractor clicks or struggles to crank, this is a smart DIY purchase that will save you $100+ over a dealer repair. Just double-check your model number and inspect the part on arrival. For the price, it’s a solid investment in keeping your mower running for another season. I recommend it for any homeowner comfortable with basic wrench work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if this starter fits my Craftsman tractor?
A: Check your tractor’s model number (stamped under the seat or on the frame) and compare it to the list in the product title: LT1000, LT3000, LT4000, LT2500, GT5000. Also verify your engine is a Briggs & Stratton Intek OHV between 16HP and 26HP. If in doubt, remove your old starter and count the teeth on the gear—it should be 16.

Q: Do I need to replace the solenoid too?
A: Not necessarily. A slow crank or no-crank can be caused by a bad solenoid, dead battery, or failed starter. Test your battery first (12.6V or more), then check for power at the starter wire when you turn the key. If the solenoid clicks but the starter doesn’t spin, replace the starter. If nothing clicks, the solenoid or safety switches are likely the issue.

Q: Can I install this myself with basic tools?
A: Yes. You’ll need a socket set (typically 13mm and 10mm), a ratchet, and maybe a screwdriver. Disconnect the battery, unbolt the old starter (usually two bolts), disconnect the wire, and reverse the process. It’s a straightforward job—expect about 30 minutes if you’ve done it before, an hour if it’s your first time. Watch a YouTube video for your specific model if you’re unsure.