Hello. I really appreciate your helpful videos. I rebuilt my Briggs starter following your instructions. I also changed out the solenoid, plugs, gas filter and the coil since I had everything open on the engine. This is for my 1992 Craftsman 18HP flathead. The tractor is in great shape and now it's purring like a kitten. So again I say thank you for all of your time and efforts. Keep up the great work.
This instruction was spot on. I have a similar, old Craftsman tractor. It needed a new top end on the starter motor. This video explained the whole process which was good if you haven't done it before. Thanks Donyboy.
You make the best small engine repair videos! I had this same problem with my cub cadet xt1 with a kohler v twin. I removed the starter and, surprise, all the parts were metal. No wear on the gear. I took the end cap off the shaft and a nut and washer came off with it. I refastened the washer and nut, put it all back together and back on the motor and, zoom, started right up on the first go. So, that nut must have a tendency to work themselves loose. Anyone having the same problem with a cub cadet xt1, before you spend 40 dollars on a new starter, check for this simple fix first.
Also, if you find that the problem is more complicated, probably best just to buy a new starter. This starter model looks like its not really built to be rebuilt. Would be more complicated than your average rebuild job.
Yesirree! Good tutorial! Thanks for the heads-up on the plastic shaft head. Remember, the spring retainer removal step was by-passed because yours had broken off.
Once again, I have a problem & donyboy has the solution. My lawn tractor wouldn’t start today & this was the issue. I would’ve probably replaced the whole starter, had I not seen this. Thanks!
I have heard that they make the one gear out of plastic so in case the engine will not spin it only breaks that gear and not damage the engine . I have a 1991 craftsman the you have to pull the top of the engine off to get to one of the bolts .I have a briggs book that says that is the only way to remove the starter . I wish it was as easy as yours. I also have a 96 and it comes out like yours . Keep the great videos comming.
Okay, I know this is an OLD video but ... 5:15 that little retaining clip. Is there a way to pull that back out once you've tapped it in? Or is it in there forever & someone needs to buy a new kit? Thanks for the great video!
Hi I had replaced the plastic gear but my problem is it will just spin it seems not to be engaging (going up and down) do you have any idea on how to fix this ? tnks Shelly
thanks for the video. I replaced the starter gear about 3 weeks ago, but it wore out again. I have had this lawn mower for the past 13 years and never had to replace it. do you know what can cause it to wear so quickly.
Good video. I liked the way you showed details on removing the roll pin using a punch with the starter shaft supported by a vice or something metal, such as a socket from a socket wrench set. I needed to know how to remove the roll pin without damaging the starter. My only suggestion is that you should tell viewers that the "appropriate punch" to use is a 1/8-inch punch that is not tapered (which I learned from another TH-cam video on this same subject).
Thanks a bunch. My gear mechanism self destructed and I wasn't exactly sure what went where after I pried all the pieces out. I bought the whole kit above the motor, but it didn't come with the washer. Hmmm.
Removing my starter from my 2001 Craftsman sure has been a new venture for me. I can say, one thing for sure I have learned a bunch. When you see something done it sure makes it a lot easier. Still learning mrearlsc 05/25/2023. Note / going strong 81.6 enjoy each day you have.
@donyboy73 can you show me what to look out for because i really dont know what i am doing :( and also i noticed there is a striped screw holding the carb to the frame so how would i take that out its in a very tight spot:(
iv been working on a mower it cranks good sometime but other times it dosnt and the red wire starts smokeing black wire gets hot what causes that and also when not in use it kills the battery and we just replaced the battery. can you help pls?
It looked like the Flywheel is chewed up. This new starter gear will last about a season. It happened to me. Now i am replacing a flywheel which you do instruct in another video. Good Mechanical Skills dude!
Hey DB ... I replaced the entire assembly. I tested it on the bench and of course it shot up to the top as if it was going to engage the flywheel. I put it on the lawn tractor and all it did was spin at the bottom and not rise to engage the flywheel... Thoughts?
Hey Dony, any advice on what part number I need to replace if when I tightened the bolt holding the red ignition cable in, it crumbled the plastic looking washer behind it, now the screw is loose. Or do I need a new starter motor completely?
mine has a c shaped clamp at the cap holding it onto the shaft. i'm having a heck of a time trying to remove that thing. i know there's a tool for that. any other trick??
Don, Great instruction. My tractor looks the same (but 15 hp). I appreciated you sharing that noise in the beginning of your video. Mine does not make the same noise. Mine makes a 1 click sound. The battery is fully charged, the carb rebuilt, and after I tried several times, it started to smoke at the bottom of the starter. Please clue me in to my next move. Did I burn something up by trying to start it too many times?
Hi Nick - my tractor experienced the same tonight. 1 click 1 wisp of smoke. 4 month old battery was strong on Sunday. Did you wind up replacing the starter?
I got a free Murray 10/30 rear engine rider from 1992. It has the same starter and the same problem. I tried getting out the roll pin but it's stuck and I don't want to break the little plastic peice. I even tried spraying it with WD40 and it still didn't budge. What should I do?
Hi dony, the part number doesn't return as anything. On briggs and stratton website, I need that kit which is oem part number 490421. Does rotary make a kit like this that is of higher quality? Thanks,
I have a briggs and stratton 12 hp on an AYP 3363 -14 and the magnets in the starter broke into pieces and jammed the starter. What can I do to fix this? Can I just replace the starter magnet? Wheres a good place to look for parts? Thanks
I have a starter for a Kohler engine all mine is held together by a c clip. Would it be possible to use snap ring pliers or something of the sort to get that silly clip off. I have messed with it all day and have not be successful in getting it off
did the spray work for you because mine is doing the same exact thing. I am sick of working on this thing..lol.. Please reply and let me know if it worked.
I've got a weird one for you. My starter problem is...when I turn the key, the starter gear spins and moves DOWN instead of up to engage the flywheel. The battery isn't install backwards or anything. Just want to know if I should start with a solenoid or starter.
ive had to replace the starter gear on my 18hp opposed B&S 5 times in a year and a half thats also including a brand new starter itself and with lubricant the starters a way quieter. i just hate that the starter is way harder to get to on an opposed. and when you havee tto work on and opposed starter do you take off the flywheel cause i dont. you can fit a wrench under the flywheel just fine. its just a pain re-alligning the starter when putting it back on
I have a cub cadet i1040 lawn tractor and my starter will not run, I took it off and wired it up so I could test it and it would not run, would you say it needs to be replaced?
Wow, thank you. Your video gave me the confidence to attempt fixing mine. However, in my case, the gear is made of metal and seemed in good shape, and what is happening in my case is that the small gear is not "jumping up" to engage the larger gear. So, I worked the gear up and down and hit it with some Break Free and it started working 90% of the time but every now and then it would hesitate to jump up. What would cause this? I have a Koheler Command 11-16 HP motor from about 15 years ago in a Yard Machine. I am sure something more needs to be done to permanent solve the problem? Thanks for the great video!
I got a starter on a 13hp yard machine it won't be easy as you show these easy repairs trying to place a nylon gear on it. I couldn't get no repair shop to replace or fix it for me. The bolts in the aluminum casing were strip so I jb weld them to it. I'm so poor can't afford a riding mower. I bought this one for $50.00 as is got it fixed just right only problem is the starter.
Hey. My starter gear looks like yours too and I want to renew it. In your case, the top of the starter is damaged and falled off, but mine is OK and I have no idea how to disassemble the starter top. Do you have any advice? Thanks and regards - Stefan
I am about to do this repair on my cub cadet. I was wondering before I get into it if you could specify the plastic part that broke off during the process. I have already ordered the gear itself I would just like to know that plastic piece specifically in case my luck fares no better. Great video, very in depth.
Hello I have a sears ohv b and s engine. When trying to start it spins 3 times that something inside goes bang and it dead stops. The bottom tapped seems to be involved. Any help appreciated. Thank you
I just had to do this on a brand new starter!! I’ve only used the mower 3 times at most since I replaced the starter. They sent an extra plastic gear with the starter when I bought it but it’s a pain in the ass & very time consuming having to go through the whole process of taking everything off to get the starter off and then fix it and then the whole process of putting everything back on. I hope the replacement lasts more than 3 mows!!! 😡
I have a question? You said be careful taking off the washer, but my washer was demolished, so I ordered the whole gear kit, and there was no washer in the kit. So I don't know what to do. So I'm gonna put it together without it. Can you supply me with just the washer if I need it?
that starter gear that wore like that is a cheap nockoff the orig gears are steel no wear like that if you eng is in good shape you only use that small gear 10-20- sec to start then it drops down ouy of the way buy your next gear somrwhere else dont buy a chape one mine is 21yrs old not wore down like that that junk prob came from china thier metal isnt to good
My starter is from a 25 hp Briggs & Stratton engine. The other day, I got that whining sound. I took the top cover of the engine off to reveal the top of the starter and found that the gear had come off the end of the shaft. Later, I found a plastic cap with the spring attached. It looks like the cap held some kind of clip that goes in a slot near the end of the shaft. Is there a kit to fix this? If it helps, the serial number on the starter is 9904215M. Thanks!
Is my starter sprocket thing jeeps dropping. Is there not enough power from battery maybe? Also it looks like previous owner removed spring to starter....hate my life
Great video. I was wondering how I was going to tackle this problem on my Westwood - with the same B & S motor as in your lawnmower. Now I know. Many thanks.
donyboy73...I have a John Deere D100 riding mower.. Will the starter you demonstrated also fit my Deere D100. I cannot seem to get the starter to engage the flywheel...It cranks, sort of, even tries to start at times but will not..I have played with safety switches, valve adjustments, etc 7/11/2016
hey don, i had the same exact problem with my mower and was wondering where i could order the kit. you said in your video that you could send them. let me know as soon as possible what i could do
Hello. I really appreciate your helpful videos. I rebuilt my Briggs starter following your instructions. I also changed out the solenoid, plugs, gas filter and the coil since I had everything open on the engine. This is for my 1992 Craftsman 18HP flathead. The tractor is in great shape and now it's purring like a kitten. So again I say thank you for all of your time and efforts. Keep up the great work.
This instruction was spot on. I have a similar, old Craftsman tractor. It needed a new top end on the starter motor. This video explained the whole process which was good if you haven't done it before.
Thanks Donyboy.
That was one of the best instructive videos I have ever seen. Clear voice, spoken slowly and covering all aspects of the project. Well done. *****
+peter charles thanks peter, make sure you are subscribed
You make the best small engine repair videos! I had this same problem with my cub cadet xt1 with a kohler v twin. I removed the starter and, surprise, all the parts were metal. No wear on the gear. I took the end cap off the shaft and a nut and washer came off with it. I refastened the washer and nut, put it all back together and back on the motor and, zoom, started right up on the first go. So, that nut must have a tendency to work themselves loose. Anyone having the same problem with a cub cadet xt1, before you spend 40 dollars on a new starter, check for this simple fix first.
Also, if you find that the problem is more complicated, probably best just to buy a new starter. This starter model looks like its not really built to be rebuilt. Would be more complicated than your average rebuild job.
@@WallyGator72 I hardly ever rebuild anything nowadays
I hope that you are still receiving comments. I have viewed several of your YT videos and find them extremely helpful. Thank you very much.
Bruce Henderson thanks bruce
One of the best TH-cam videos I've seen! Great instruction with no BS.
Just want to say your video on starter mower gear replacement saved me both time and money. Thank you for your good work!
I very rarely work on anything but i still like to watch all your videos. So keep them coming.
Thanks for the video. Got the mower running again for another year. Had begun looking at new mowers and thanks to you I'm saving lots of money.
Great video. audio explanation. As a writer, I much appreciate the clarity and conciseness of your sentences. Thanks.
Yesirree! Good tutorial! Thanks for the heads-up on the plastic shaft head. Remember, the spring retainer removal step was by-passed because yours had broken off.
hi donyboy 73 i just ordered the right parts that you specified in your youtube video thanks again man what a lifesaver you are thanks god bless you
Hi,
You make good videos!
My starter motor on my ride on mower the magnet is broken. Can it be glue it?
Cheers
Ray
Mine just went out. Thanks once again for great instruction. 👍
man, this is just about the best repair video that ive ever seen.
Great video!!! One of the best DIY repair videos I’ve seen on yt!!!! U speak very clearly & are very articulate!!!
Donyboy, super professional videos! They keep getting better, one day you'll have to show us all how you do it!
Once again, I have a problem & donyboy has the solution. My lawn tractor wouldn’t start today & this was the issue. I would’ve probably replaced the whole starter, had I not seen this. Thanks!
I have heard that they make the one gear out of plastic so in case the engine will not spin it only breaks that gear and not damage the engine . I have a 1991 craftsman the you have to pull the top of the engine off to get to one of the bolts .I have a briggs book that says that is the only way to remove the starter . I wish it was as easy as yours. I also have a 96 and it comes out like yours .
Keep the great videos comming.
Best instructional video I've ever watched!! Love your Canadian accent. My wife is Canadian so I,m kinda partial.
+Nocturia thanks lol
Thanks
Thanks for your support!
excellent and clear video instructions. Thank you
Dear Sir, Thank you, very clear and great instruction
Thank you for the help. You help me to repair my Problem. These Video is realy helpfull.
is there an easier way to remove roll pin?
+BIGGESTILOS not really but maybe a small bolt if you don't have the punch
+donyboy73 copy that ty
Donnyboy ur a legend saved me plenty of hardship and euros 👍😁jim from ireland
You the man Donyboy! You make it look so easy...
Thanks Dony, that's exactly what my problem was..Thanks for recording problem before discecting the starter!
Briggs and strattons oem part for that is now made in metal and the gear in ABS plastic. I just replaced one on my simplicity 6216
Okay, I know this is an OLD video but ... 5:15 that little retaining clip. Is there a way to pull that back out once you've tapped it in? Or is it in there forever & someone needs to buy a new kit? Thanks for the great video!
Hi I had replaced the plastic gear but my problem is it will just spin it seems not to be engaging (going up and down) do you have any idea on how to fix this ? tnks Shelly
thanks for the video. I replaced the starter gear about 3 weeks ago, but it wore out again. I have had this lawn mower for the past 13 years and never had to replace it. do you know what can cause it to wear so quickly.
Good video. I liked the way you showed details on removing the roll pin using a punch with the starter shaft supported by a vice or something metal, such as a socket from a socket wrench set. I needed to know how to remove the roll pin without damaging the starter. My only suggestion is that you should tell viewers that the "appropriate punch" to use is a 1/8-inch punch that is not tapered (which I learned from another TH-cam video on this same subject).
is there a way to start it without the starter i got other things to buy before that and i need to do the lawn
Thx Donyboy you’re the best.
Thanks a bunch. My gear mechanism self destructed and I wasn't exactly sure what went where after I pried all the pieces out. I bought the whole kit above the motor, but it didn't come with the washer. Hmmm.
plain and to the point, just what i needed. I enjoyed this video. I am sure this will help my 2001 CRAFTSMAN 25 hp B/S mrearlsc
Removing my starter from my 2001 Craftsman sure has been a new venture for me. I can say, one thing for sure I have learned a bunch. When you see something done it sure makes it a lot easier. Still learning mrearlsc 05/25/2023. Note / going strong 81.6 enjoy each day you have.
You are the best out there. Thanks for the easy help.
+Daniel Sanson thanks for watching Daniel
Perfect, thanks Donyboy.
@BriggsMower i set them at .003, sometimes it's the only for it to start through that compression stroke
can you show us how to replace a plastic ring gear .on a B&S engine I got a replacement aluminum one but have not replaced it yet.
@donyboy73 can you show me what to look out for because i really dont know what i am doing :( and also i noticed there is a striped screw holding the carb to the frame so how would i take that out its in a very tight spot:(
iv been working on a mower it cranks good sometime but other times it dosnt and the red wire starts smokeing black wire gets hot what causes that and also when not in use it kills the battery and we just replaced the battery. can you help pls?
@BriggsMower is it a single cylinder and is it ohv?
@SuperPncho may be overfilled with oil, make sure the oil is not gray, if it is replace it.
Thanks Don. You make it look easy.
Thank you what a fantastic video but I can't seem to find those parts you had the gear and the stop plug
It looked like the Flywheel is chewed up. This new starter gear will last about a season. It happened to me. Now i am replacing a flywheel which you do instruct in another video.
Good Mechanical Skills dude!
the 8 ppl who disliked this video probley forgot to to disconnect the battery lol
great video...very clear and understandable
+BIGGESTILOS thanks
hi there i love your channel on your youtube video now i know how to repair mine thanks was so helpful you rock man thanks again
Hey DB ... I replaced the entire assembly. I tested it on the bench and of course it shot up to the top as if it was going to engage the flywheel. I put it on the lawn tractor and all it did was spin at the bottom and not rise to engage the flywheel... Thoughts?
Hi Dony the starter gear should be on one way ,,does it not say on gear this side up , just seen some say that but may be different type of gear
Hey Dony, any advice on what part number I need to replace if when I tightened the bolt holding the red ignition cable in, it crumbled the plastic looking washer behind it, now the screw is loose. Or do I need a new starter motor completely?
mine has a c shaped clamp at the cap holding it onto the shaft. i'm having a heck of a time trying to remove that thing. i know there's a tool for that. any other trick??
the last part you taped in, how does that come off. As it was broke off in the front of the viedo.
mine went. i got a complete gear kit but there was no washer and my old one got chewed up. seeing as no washer was supplied,do i need it?
Don, Great instruction. My tractor looks the same (but 15 hp). I appreciated you sharing that noise in the beginning of your video. Mine does not make the same noise. Mine makes a 1 click sound. The battery is fully charged, the carb rebuilt, and after I tried several times, it started to smoke at the bottom of the starter. Please clue me in to my next move. Did I burn something up by trying to start it too many times?
Hi Nick - my tractor experienced the same tonight. 1 click 1 wisp of smoke. 4 month old battery was strong on Sunday. Did you wind up replacing the starter?
Ty sir it worked
I got a free Murray 10/30 rear engine rider from 1992. It has the same starter and the same problem. I tried getting out the roll pin but it's stuck and I don't want to break the little plastic peice. I even tried spraying it with WD40 and it still didn't budge. What should I do?
@donyboy73 well thats wher it struggles iv got them at .13 tho of a mm so 8 or 10 tho should do on the ex or the in ?
@GudeCharles uusually u can, just make sure the shaft is the same length and size
Thanks for the video Don, it really helped me out.
Hi dony, the part number doesn't return as anything. On briggs and stratton website, I need that kit which is oem part number 490421. Does rotary make a kit like this that is of higher quality?
Thanks,
I have a vanguard 16 hp engine ( Briggs and Stratton) do I need to make sure how many teeth does it have? Or are they same for all?
can you specify at what min seconds in the vid?
I have a briggs and stratton 12 hp on an AYP 3363 -14 and the magnets in the starter broke into pieces and jammed the starter. What can I do to fix this? Can I just replace the starter magnet? Wheres a good place to look for parts? Thanks
how do u put the brushes back in on a starter
excellent video as usual Don.
the shaft is striped the gear is not going up and down the shaft right is there a way i can buy a new shaft
Is that the same lawn trator you tuned up and cleaned a while back?
I have a starter for a Kohler engine all mine is held together by a c clip. Would it be possible to use snap ring pliers or something of the sort to get that silly clip off. I have messed with it all day and have not be successful in getting it off
did the spray work for you because mine is doing the same exact thing. I am sick of working on this thing..lol.. Please reply and let me know if it worked.
I've got a weird one for you. My starter problem is...when I turn the key, the starter gear spins and moves DOWN instead of up to engage the flywheel. The battery isn't install backwards or anything. Just want to know if I should start with a solenoid or starter.
Have the same issue did you sort this ?
Thank you so much for making this video!!
ive had to replace the starter gear on my 18hp opposed B&S 5 times in a year and a half thats also including a brand new starter itself and with lubricant the starters a way quieter. i just hate that the starter is way harder to get to on an opposed. and when you havee tto work on and opposed starter do you take off the flywheel cause i dont. you can fit a wrench under the flywheel just fine. its just a pain re-alligning the starter when putting it back on
Yes I have the same lawn more thank you very much
I have a cub cadet i1040 lawn tractor and my starter will not run, I took it off and wired it up so I could test it and it would not run, would you say it needs to be replaced?
+Stan Wilson UMMMM, you answered your own question. LOL
Wow, thank you. Your video gave me the confidence to attempt fixing mine. However, in my case, the gear is made of metal and seemed in good shape, and what is happening in my case is that the small gear is not "jumping up" to engage the larger gear. So, I worked the gear up and down and hit it with some Break Free and it started working 90% of the time but every now and then it would hesitate to jump up. What would cause this? I have a Koheler Command 11-16 HP motor from about 15 years ago in a Yard Machine. I am sure something more needs to be done to permanent solve the problem? Thanks for the great video!
I got a starter on a 13hp yard machine it won't be easy as you show these easy repairs trying to place a nylon gear on it. I couldn't get no repair shop to replace or fix it for me. The bolts in the aluminum casing were strip so I jb weld them to it. I'm so poor can't afford a riding mower. I bought this one for $50.00 as is got it fixed just right only problem is the starter.
Hey. My starter gear looks like yours too and I want to renew it. In your case, the top of the starter is damaged and falled off, but mine is OK and I have no idea how to disassemble the starter top. Do you have any advice? Thanks and regards - Stefan
I am about to do this repair on my cub cadet. I was wondering before I get into it if you could specify the plastic part that broke off during the process. I have already ordered the gear itself I would just like to know that plastic piece specifically in case my luck fares no better. Great video, very in depth.
Hello I have a sears ohv b and s engine. When trying to start it spins 3 times that something inside goes bang and it dead stops. The bottom tapped seems to be involved. Any help appreciated. Thank you
Thanks man i can fiks my engine of my lawnmower now and its kost many.
Thanks and greettings from Holland.
Jos
you're welcome and thanks for watching
I just had to do this on a brand new starter!! I’ve only used the mower 3 times at most since I replaced the starter. They sent an extra plastic gear with the starter when I bought it but it’s a pain in the ass & very time consuming having to go through the whole process of taking everything off to get the starter off and then fix it and then the whole process of putting everything back on. I hope the replacement lasts more than 3 mows!!! 😡
Got a twin 18 vanguard eats one gear a year, Breaks in the winter found a 1/4 in drive socket that fits in there.
buy your gear somewhere else it made in china with soft metal should be steel mine is
Very well done video ! You make the best repair videos
I have a question? You said be careful taking off the washer, but my washer was demolished, so I ordered the whole gear kit, and there was no washer in the kit. So I don't know what to do. So I'm gonna put it together without it. Can you supply me with just the washer if I need it?
Is there a tool other than a puncher that you could use to remove the roll pin?
Hey buddy I have a Briggs and Stratton 19.5 horsepower V tween and the same thing happen over and over again. what else could be the the reason?
that starter gear that wore like that is a cheap nockoff the orig gears are steel no wear like that if you eng is in good shape you only use that small gear 10-20- sec to start then it drops down ouy of the way buy your next gear somrwhere else dont buy a chape one mine is 21yrs old not wore down like that that junk prob came from china thier metal isnt to good
My starter is from a 25 hp Briggs & Stratton engine. The other day, I got that whining sound. I took the top cover of the engine off to reveal the top of the starter and found that the gear had come off the end of the shaft. Later, I found a plastic cap with the spring attached. It looks like the cap held some kind of clip that goes in a slot near the end of the shaft. Is there a kit to fix this? If it helps, the serial number on the starter is 9904215M. Thanks!
Is my starter sprocket thing jeeps dropping. Is there not enough power from battery maybe? Also it looks like previous owner removed spring to starter....hate my life
The starter on my mower spins when I turn the key but the small gear does not go up and engage the flywheel. What could the problem be?
Did u ever get an answer on that? mine does the same
Great video. I was wondering how I was going to tackle this problem on my Westwood - with the same B & S motor as in your lawnmower. Now I know. Many thanks.
Hello. I can't start my Stiga Lawn mower on the key. I touch the positive and negative with screw driver and it starts,What I have to check?
Also, can you get aftermarket parts for my Kohler 17? The Kohler guy want a second on my house and title to my first born.
donyboy73...I have a John Deere D100 riding mower.. Will the starter you demonstrated also fit my Deere D100. I cannot seem to get the starter to engage the flywheel...It cranks, sort of, even tries to start at times but will not..I have played with safety switches, valve adjustments, etc
7/11/2016
you would have to check your model number
+donyboy73 I have a briggs and Stratton opposed twin 2. the starter I have works but the starter gear wont engage the flywheel. what should I do.
you might need to replace the starter unless only the gear is worn out
donyboy73 ok all try getting a new gear and if that dont work i'll get a new starter. Thanks
Hey buddy I need that part that you just change on your starter lawn mower
hey don, i had the same exact problem with my mower and was wondering where i could order the kit. you said in your video that you could send them. let me know as soon as possible what i could do
it might just be seized on the shaft from sitting not being used, try spraying penetrating oil on it to free it up