I have come seeking help once again

[JCD 76]

Finally got my linkage throttle cables sorted out on the 312-8

 

I mowed about a third of the yard today, the grass was way over my knee so I removed the bagger but couldn't get the short chute off the deck so I though no problem it will just throw the grass out.

 

It did throw the grass out but if I got too much it would clog and I would have to shut the mower off and manually remove the grass from the tube.  

 

I did this and restarted the mower about 10 times, no issues at all started right up.  

 

The last time I did it, when I turned the key I got nothing, absolutely nothing I didn't hear a click or anything.  The voltmeter on the tractor didn't move.

 

I am deathly afraid of electrical problems because I know nothing about electrical components and systems.  What should I do first and how

 

I looked at the wiring and saw nothing obviously disconnected or burnt, I found the 25 fuse and it looks pristine, all the connections battery, coil, and starter are solid, I don't know what else I should do.

 

Thanks,  Jim

[953 nut 59,177]

[midpack 991]

I have to ask the question, did you shut off the blades?

[JCD 76]

How do you load test a battery?  The only thing I know to do is put a muti meter on it and see if it has 12v more or less.

 

I disengaged the pto but even if I hadn't the engine will still turn over just not start as I understand it.  I'm getting nothing at all.

 

Jim

[wallfish 17,838]

It won't start if the PTO handle was still engaged. That switch will also cut off ignition if you aren't in the seat.

Sit in the seat, make sure the PTO is all the way disengaged, push the clutch pedal and try it again.

And don't wait for the grass to get knee high before cutting it! LOL

[JCD 76]

All the safety switches were removed before I got the tractor

I push the throttle all the way up, pull out the choke, push in the clutch and turn the key,  the engine turns over a couple/few times and I push in the choke and it fires right up, until this last time.

 

Jim

[ri702bill 9,186]

23 hours ago, JCD said:

the 25 fuse and it looks pristine

LOOKS pristine..... does not mean it is! Sometimes, they burn apart near the leg, not in the middle. The only way to check is with a multimeter for continuity across the 2 legs...

Edited May 24 by ri702bill
multimeter, not voltmeter...

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,386]

Just a guess because we do not know the model and serial number of the tractor. The 312-8 had many changes to how it was wired.

If a safety switch was removed the wiring to that switch had to be modified.

The starter circuit uses the pto switch and the clutch pedal switch plus a low oil switch on some models.

What does the wiring at each switch look like?

[JCD 76]

Thanks Bill I'll check it with a voltmeter next time I go up to VA

 

Gwest I'm sorry I don't have a clue, Dad died when I was very young, I never learned a lot of things most guys take for granted.

All I know is everything worked fine until I tried to start it the last time.

I do all right replacing parts but I sometimes struggle with figuring out what part to replace.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,386]

Post all the numbers off the engine decal including the serial number. May be able to identify the tractor model number and year using those.

[953 nut 59,177]

13 hours ago, JCD said:

load test a battery?

Take the battery to your auto parts store, they will test it for you for free.

14 hours ago, JCD said:

I found the 25 fuse and it looks pristine,

The fuse holder could have corrosion inside that can't be seen from the surface. Remove the fuse and inspect the fuse and fuse holder. 

[JCD 76]

953 nut thanks, I'll check the holder and take the battery to get tested.

 

Gwest, the numbers I could find on the tractor were 3112K801 and 11289

 

Jim

[pfrederi 18,550]

1990 With Magnum engine

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,386]

 

[JCD 76]

Ok got back up to VA and started checking the 312, battery is good, fuses good decided to change out the solenoid but when I tried the key still nothing.

 

I was looking at the wiring thinking it had to be the ignition and noticed the wire connected to the 25amp fuse seemed to move very freely as I jostled the tractor, I thought it might be disconnected at the ignition so I gently tugged on it to see if it was free but no, then I gently pulled it from the fuse side and the wire separated with almost no pressure.

 

Turned out the wire gave out between stopping the running tractor and trying to restart it.

 

I stripped the insulation and twisted the wires together and it now starts every time like a champ.

 

Thanks for the help and suggestions,   

 

Jim