1782 starting problems

[Roninpa]

When i try to start my 1782 the solenoid just clicks but the starter won,t crank the engine right away. If i keep trying it will eventually crank after about ten tries. I replaced the ignition switch and the mower switch to no avail. I have put up with this for about ten years a a couple of new batteries. Does anyone have any suggestions? thanks ron

[Eugene]

Clean up all battery cable terminals from the battery to the starter. Probably done.

Replace the solenoid. Since solenoid clicks it's getting the power/voltage to activate/engage it. Within the solenoid are contacts which complete the battery to starter circuit. Quite possible the contacts are damaged.

If the problem is not the solenoid - then it's the starter.

[Oak]

Sounds like you need to do the starter upgrade. New China gear reduction starter $100 and do the glow plug upgrade for about $25. It will start like a new machine.

[gitractorman]

What kind of battery are you using. the 1782s had a rather odd battery, which is not your typical lawnmower battery. If the original battery has been replaced with a lawnmower battery, it will NEVER work. The diesel engine needs a lot more cranking amps, which is why they used an automotive battery in those tractors. It's common to have it replaced wiht a lawnmower battery because most folks just don't know the difference, or it was already done when they got it. Unfortunately, the original battery is an odd size, and you almost have to have NAPA or a battery store order one.

[Oak]

If you do the new gear reduction starter a normal 350 CCA lawn & garden battery will work. You also need to tripple check all your ground wires.

[Roninpa]

thanks for the replies , I have always used an automobile battery. it seems to be a problem with the ground but i haven't been able figure out where it is. ron

[Gary Dotson]

I'm not very familiar with the 1782, but I am quite familiar with kubotas. I've run into starting problem, just as you've described, on several Kubota and Yanmar tractors. The problem I've found is voltage drop between the starter (key) switch and the starter solenoid. You can verify if this is the problem by doing a voltage test at the small terminal of the solenoid. The start signal from the key switch sometimes passes through a couple safety switches before it arrives at the starter solenoid, each switch or device or even extended runs of wire will reduce the voltage a small amount. When everything was new & clean, all was well, but age & use deteriorate switch contacts and wiring connections until there is no longer enough voltage to activate the starter solenoid. The purist would suggest replacing these components, to get it back to new performance but I have an easier and cheaper solution. I wire in a small relay at the starter, that takes very little current to activate and which supplies full battery voltage to the solenoid. I've done about a half dozen of these on problem tractors and all have worked perfectly.

[Roninpa]

Thanks Gary i think you have solved my problem. I did check the voltage from the key switch to the solenoid and it was about 7 volts when the solenoid just clicked. I also ran a jumper from the battery to the solenoid and it cranked every time. thanks again Ron

[Gary Dotson]

No problem, Ron! As I said, I've run into that several times. A couple years ago, I had two late model Kubotas in my shop, both with this starting problem. I cleaned & lubed the starters and just when I thought I had them fixed, they would act up again. I even tried a new solenoid on one of them and it made the problem worse instead of better. I got the meter out & started digging. The relay just seemed to be the easiest & least expensive solution to the problem. I haven't found this problem on any of my older Kubotas, the only safety on them is the clutch switch. The Bosch style cube relay is easily obtained and wiring is pretty easy. Try it, you'll like it.