69 loboy won't start

[diogenes74]

Ben a rough summer for the lo boy but recently I just finished mowing and set it under a tree to let it cool down before putting it up for the evening....so as I came back out it was dead, wouldn't even try to turn over....I noticed some of the orignal wires are rotting and tearing up so I replaced all the wires under the dash and all of the rest of them from Hamilton cubs I also noticed the the ignition key mechanism was rusted so replaced that...I even made sure the battery was fully charged ..even after all that still NOTHING..it won't even start to turn over..I know the battery is good because it sparks at the the solenoid..so I am at a loss..I could use any help please!!!!!

[Eugene]

Does the tractor have a starter/generator or starter on the flywheel?

Have you cleaned up all of the battery terminals, cable connections?

Weak battery could be the problem. Have the battery tested or conduct a voltage drop test. Yes a weak battery will have enough energy to activate the solenoid but not enough to crank over the starter.

Try jump starting the tractor from a running 12 volt car or tractor. If that doesn't work jump start by bypassing the solenoid.

[diogenes74]

The tractor has a generator/ starter ....I was so frustrated that I didn't even think to jump, I just assumed the battery was good.. I will try to jump it tomorrow and take the battery to the local parts store and have them take a look at it...could the starter/ generator be going bad??? Could it drain a battery????.. I hate electrical problems...!!!!!

[Eugene]

could the starter/ generator be going bad? Could it drain a battery?

Yes and no - not by itself. More than likely a bad voltage regulator would drain the battery since it connects the tractor's electrical system to the starter/generator.

There could be other appliances or other issues causing a battery drain.

[diogenes74]

So the battery is good so it must be something else...??how can I bypass the solenoid ?

[Eugene]

Have you cleaned up all of the battery terminals, cable connections?

The tractor has a main clutch safety switch and late models have a PTO safety switch. Clutch needs to be depressed and PTO out of gear during engine start.

Diagnosing the no start problem. Multimeter 20 volt DC setting.

At small center terminal on solenoid take voltage reading while turning the ignition key into start position. Battery voltage reading - safety switches working. Good reading then.

Check for battery voltage at solenoid terminal leading to starter/generator, key in start position. And at the terminal with the wire leading to the S/G (starter/generator).

Then check for voltage at the B terminal on the voltage regulator, key in start position.

Above will lead you in the direction of the problem area.

The Operator's manual and Service Manual have wiring diagrams. Service Manual has a better diagram for diagnosing the electrical system.

[diogenes74]

Thanks Eugene, I don't know what I would dip without you guys!!!! I will be sure to get back to you in a couple of days...

[diogenes74]

Not dip..lol. Do without you guys...

[Eugene]

If you don't own the Operator's Manual, Service Manual, and Parts Manual, for the numbered Cub Low-Boys, you need to purchase them.

The wiring diagram in the Service Manual makes it fairly easy understand what has to happen during the engine start procedure and trace out the electrical system.

[Denny Clayton]

Not dip..lol. Do without you guys...

That's OK. A few of us are dips.

[BigBill]

With a bad connection on the ground cable the amp gage shows its charging but the battery can be still low.
My son used the ohm meter and it showed 1.3 volts getting through the ground cable.

Read my post about finally getting my 154 running again. If it wasn't for my son's there would be a for sale sign on it since I can't do the work right now. My kids stayed with it.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Bill, if by 1.3 volts through the ground cable you meant a lead on each end showed 1.3 volts, that is NOT good.

[BigBill]

From the positive to the ground on the frame. We wire brushen the seat frame and cleaned the star washer and added a new bolt. We got 12+ volts after that but I added another cable from there to the tranny housing till I can make a longer one to go to the engine. I know it's good for now. When it's running now I have 13+ volts as its charging. My battery is fully up now.