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185 starting problem?!?

IH CUB Lo-Boy Series - 154, 184, 185 Forum -- Questions and answers to all of your Lo-Boy related issues.
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JohnnyJay
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185 starting problem?!?

Postby JohnnyJay » Sat Aug 12, 2017 10:02 pm

Sometimes I push the start button and nutting happens besides the coil gets hot. Sometimes it works fine. What's my problem? And yes the push button starter works. Thanks ahead

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staninlowerAL
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Tractors Owned: Cubs: (3)'49's, (1 is for parts), (1)'57 IH Cub LoBoy w/FH, (2)154 Number Series Loboys, (1 is for parts), '76 Longstripe w/FH, Mowers: C-22, Bush Hog 412, Pennington 59, Woods RM42CF, Woods 42, assorted FCub plows, planters, discs, etc. OTHERS: '49 AC B & Ind. Sickle mower, '61 AC D12 Ser 2, '52 8N, '56 Ferguson 35 Deluxe, '47 & '49 Avery V, '53 MM BG (offset), '51 JD M (regular), '56 JD 420C, with Blade and fire plow, '85 JD 850 (Yanmar) w/72" belly mower, '76? Yanmar 2TR15 1500 & Bush Hog SQ42S-2 mower, '78? FORD Dexta, '86 FORD LGT14D & 48" Mower, (2)Cub Cadets & Mowers (MTD), (4) Sears Surburban's, other MTD mowers, Jeeps & other misc. "treasures"
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Re: 185 starting problem?!?

Postby staninlowerAL » Sun Aug 13, 2017 7:37 am

Hard to say without more information. Basically sounds like an intermittent shorted circuit. Hot coil seems to indicate a power flow to ground. Any pictures?
Stan in LA (lower AL)
USAF & Reserves, Reg ARMY, ARMY NG (AL)

JohnnyJay
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Re: 185 starting problem?!?

Postby JohnnyJay » Sun Aug 13, 2017 7:45 am

Sorry no pictures. I have looked at all the wires and everything looks good. Worked fine all day and after a long rest is when it won't do anything.

staninlowerAL
10+ Years
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Posts: 4974
Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2010 11:34 pm
Zip Code: 36558
Tractors Owned: Cubs: (3)'49's, (1 is for parts), (1)'57 IH Cub LoBoy w/FH, (2)154 Number Series Loboys, (1 is for parts), '76 Longstripe w/FH, Mowers: C-22, Bush Hog 412, Pennington 59, Woods RM42CF, Woods 42, assorted FCub plows, planters, discs, etc. OTHERS: '49 AC B & Ind. Sickle mower, '61 AC D12 Ser 2, '52 8N, '56 Ferguson 35 Deluxe, '47 & '49 Avery V, '53 MM BG (offset), '51 JD M (regular), '56 JD 420C, with Blade and fire plow, '85 JD 850 (Yanmar) w/72" belly mower, '76? Yanmar 2TR15 1500 & Bush Hog SQ42S-2 mower, '78? FORD Dexta, '86 FORD LGT14D & 48" Mower, (2)Cub Cadets & Mowers (MTD), (4) Sears Surburban's, other MTD mowers, Jeeps & other misc. "treasures"
Circle of Safety: Y
Location: AL (Southwest)

Re: 185 starting problem?!?

Postby staninlowerAL » Sun Aug 13, 2017 7:53 am

Do you have a starter-generator? Push button or key switch start? Either one must have have power to the solenoid to work when attempting to start. Since you said "won't do anything" I would look loss of power either to or from the solenoid. When it is working you should hear a "click".
Stan in LA (lower AL)
USAF & Reserves, Reg ARMY, ARMY NG (AL)

Eugene
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Re: 185 starting problem?!?

Postby Eugene » Sun Aug 13, 2017 8:14 am

Assuming from the wording that the starter/generator does not crank over/turn.

Common problem with the numbered Cubs is the factory method of grounding the electrical system. Used the tractor's sheet metal as the battery ground. Solution is to move the battery ground cable to the tractor's transmission/differential.

Clean up all battery and cable connections.

Fully charge the battery, then have it tested at the auto parts store.

Since coil gets hot, points are closed. Probably burnt.

Something to try. Loosen the starter/generator belt. See it the S/G turns when the switch is in the start position.

Edit: Check to see if there is a load on the engine, such as the PTO engaged. The S/G is barely able to handle starting the engine without any additional load on the engine.
Last edited by Eugene on Sun Aug 13, 2017 8:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
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gitractorman
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Re: 185 starting problem?!?

Postby gitractorman » Sun Aug 13, 2017 8:16 am

One of the biggest, most common problems with the number series lo-boy tractors is the lousy ground to the frame down in the battery box. This relies on a good contact at the mounting point, then multiple contact points throughout the frame mating sections to maintain continuity to the engine block. One of the first things I do on any lo-boy is run a ground wire all the way to the bellhousing of the engine. You'd be amazed at how many tractors I've gotten that the owner said (starters shot, will barely turn over) and I run a new ground wire, and she starts up just like new! So, I would start there.

My second concern with your post is you mention that there is a starter button? The 185 tractors did not come from the factory with this, it was just a key switch like an automobile starter switch. Someone has added the push button starter, which means they have altered the original wiring. I would next start looking at all of these connections. It doesn't take much corrosion or a slightly loose wire, to cause intermittent starting like you describe. Adding the push button starter probably added another 3 connections in the wiring harness that didn't exist originally, so this is the most logical place for problems.

Working on tractor electrical systems can be frustrating, but they are actually pretty simple. If you take an ohm meter / voltage tester, and a piece of paper to write down what you're finding when testing, you can usually locate the problem in short time. Start with the basics, check continuity to ground, continuity to starter, start checking voltage to starter, continuity to various single wires (key switch, push button, etc.) and work through the system in a stepwise approach. Since your system has been altered, I would still recommend downloading the factory wiring diagram, since it will tell you what color wires should be doing what, then you can mark it up with what has been added.
Cub Cadets 682, 1811, 1864, Simplicity Legacy XL 4x4 Diesel with FEL, 60" mower, 50" Tiller

JohnnyJay
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Re: 185 starting problem?!?

Postby JohnnyJay » Sun Aug 13, 2017 9:31 am

Thanks for your help, You guys are right! I added another ground cable and she fired right up. Thanks for all your help and knowledge!


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