Generator

[Husk8806]

Well I guess I'll ask here but my neighbor normally helps me. I'm mechanically inclined in many things, but still new to tractors So have had my 185 for 3 years. Replaced this that and the other been running seafoam in fuel and oil to get/keep everything cleaned up. Last year it started having trouble starting after I replaced the wires. Pointers good.. cleaned checked and replaced many wires. (I need to just get a new wiring harness altogether). Getting spark (don't have a meter but may have to borrow one from work). Generator is good...im kind of running out of things to look over, I'm sure it's something stupid and small I'm overlooking. The problem started but id rock it and it would kick over... Slowly but finally get running and I'd be fine. After it would shut off I'd have about two hours and it would start immediately with no problem as long as it still had some warmth. Now I turn the key I get nothing. I can jump the starter to get it turning but still struggling to start. Any suggestions? Added as much as I could.

[mozer71]

It sounds like a fuel problem because "rocking" makes a difference. The 154 IHC carbs are famous for dripping unless the fuel shut-off is tight. I mean if the engine is running at all, it will use that fuel. If the/my tractor sits more than an hour or two, it will drip out the carb. Before finding this site, I thought it was a problem unique to my carb. So I did the same thing others had done-- readjusted the float level lower. The problem with that, especially on hills, is fuel starvation. So I set it back to spec and shut off the fuel when dormant.

[Mike H]

check the grounding of the battery and the generator.
on My 185 we added a grounding strap from the starter/generator to the engine block.
there are several pieces there to fight rust and mess with the grounding.

also ground the battery to the trans not the sheet metal.

hope this helps

Mike

[Greg Armstrong]

I agree with both Mike and Mozer, certainly check for obstructions in the fuel system - I had issues where rust would clog the outlet to the sediment bowl. Moving the ground connections is a great idea and does help. A new wiring harness may cost you... I would recommend cleaning every electrical connections with a fine wire brush and electrical contract cleaner. If needed replace connector shells and terminals. The 184 uses Packard/Delphi (now Aptiv) 56 series terminals, I assume the 185 and 154 use the same. They are available through numerous sources, but start with Mouser Electronics as they are a primary distributor.

[Husk8806]

Ended up pulling the generator again... the charging side solder came off. Lol as I said something stupid.

[outdoors4evr]

I agree with Mozer about the fuel drip, but he's talking about IHC Carbs on the early 154 tractors and cubs.
Your 185 should be equipped with a Zenith carb. You shouldn't have any leaks or drips from a Zenith unless you have a no-start scenerio where the tractor has been cranking and not starting. Your float probably needs to be adjusted and the needle valve (and seat) cleaned.
I never turn off the gas on my 184 with a zenith carb. Someday I'll probably have 5 gallons of gas on the floor to prove me wrong, but the shutoff valve is not readily accessible on the 184 and it doesn't leak so I don't bother.

[Larry B]

Yeah sooner or later a tiny piece of dirt will get you 5 gal of smelly floor cleaner. I replaced the hard line on my 184 with rubber and put an inline shutoff valve in it. Some guys say you shouldn't use rubber fuel line because it might cause a fire. Probably 50 million cars and mowers use rubber fuel lines. Haven't heard about many fires.

[outdoors4evr]

I also have the rubber fuel line and an inline gravity style fuel filter. The PO had replaced the steel line with rubber and not knowing the age of that rubber, I replaced the fuel filter and fuel line with a new rubber line. (Seems like the rubber lines melt or crack after several years)
I figure appropriate maintenance will reduce the risk.

[SONNY]

Most of mine have neo lines andplastic filters, just route them away from intense heat and they stay clean, --no rust from them.