International 184 lo-boy won't start

[ricklane]

I just bought an International 184 lo-boy yesterday and had a friend pick it up last night. When I got home last night, it started right up. This morning when I went out to play with it, it started right up. I mowed for awhile and then parked it to inspect the engine. Then it wouldn't start. After several attempts, it started as if nothing was wrong. Now I cant get it started at all. The oil light comes on when the key is in the on position, but when the key is turned to the start position, nothing happens. No click, no turn over, no sound whatsoever. I know the battery has a good charge, I just wonder if the starter is getting any juice. I'm off tomorrow and all I wanted to do is go out and play with my new toy. Any suggestions?

[George Willer]

If you're comfortable doing so, bypass the switch. Do it carefully so you don't keep the solenoid energized.

[beaconlight]

Make sure all your connections are clean and tight. I put a little grease on all of mine to prevent oxidation. some will tell you not to. It worked for my father, his father and his father. That's 4 generations. Why are you so sure the battery is good? I shot troubles most of my working career and the best thing I learned was take nothing for granted. Check it yourself. First thing i would do is try to wiggle the connections at the battery. If they wiggle they are loose. Next I would wiggle at the starter then at the distributer and coil.
this is a good start. Do you know how to use a volt meter or a pig tail light to test for opens? If not let us know and some one on at the time will lead you through it.

Bill

[Eugene]

Couple of simple things to try. From my one experience working on a 154.

Check to see that the PTO switch is in the off position. There is a start safety switch someplace on the tractor. The 154 has the start safety switch under the frame about where the heel of your left foot would be.

Put everything in neutral, PTO, transmission.

The wiring diagram shows three switches that must function properly for the ignition switch to activate the solenoid. I don't believe all tractors had all three switches.

Eugene