416-8 nothing when key is turned

[Joefrommi65 26]

Good Day all, I have been trying to get this 416 running but no luck ( electrical gremlin) I see on my dash that the pto clutch and seat switches seem to be working as they go off when I activate them   I have checked the fuses if I cross the starter over it spins but does not ingage to the flywheel I am by no means I electrical guru and have an electrical diagram I think is correct but the question is what else do I look for from here ?

Thanks for your time and patience  Joe

[OutdoorEnvy 1,786]

I would start and see if you have voltage at the solenoid and back trace from there.  Just test one wire at a time for the voltage to be routing correctly.  There are good wiring diagrams on the forum here.  You would need your exact model number, which should be on a metal plate under the seat or fender area, to ensure you have the right diagram.  

[pfrederi 19,074]

Starter motor spinning but not engaging the flywheel,,, could be bad starter.  stuck bendix or a weak battery (or high resistance cables)

[Joefrommi65 26]

Thanks folks going to try those things now

[pfrederi 19,074]

Is this a Kohler Magnum or an OnaN?

[Joefrommi65 26]

Onan sorry forgot that8

[pfrederi 19,074]

I will step aside as I know nothing about Onans  don't have any and not looking to add one.

[953 nut 62,561]

18 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

weak battery (or high resistance cables)

These are my first thoughts. You are getting some power to the starter but not enough to get the job done.

Clean, inspect and tighten all connections including grounds. If this 416 is Onan powered check the 9 pin connector for any signs of corrosion or overheating.

[Joefrommi65 26]

Thanks folks going to try those things now

[ri702bill 10,232]

1 hour ago, 953 nut said:

check the 9 pin connector for any signs of corrosion or overheating.

[kpinnc 15,931]

Onan engines have the solenoid built onto the starter itself. Those solenoids get "sticky" for a while before finally failing altogether. They magnetically push the bendix out to the flywheel, and when they stick the bendix will not engage. But- the starter will usually spin regardless unless it's bad. 

 

Definitely agree with the previous posts on the thread. If all that checks out the solenoid and starter would be my next suspect. 

 

But the 9 pin connector is definitely the source of most electrical gremlins on that tractor. Second to that with mine were always the start keyswitch itself. 

[Lee1977 7,418]

Those open fuse holder can be the problem. Had a good battery and fuse and and nothing coming out the other side of the holder.

[Joefrommi65 26]

Thanks lee Funny enough I was just looking at that I think I will order a small one for a boat from Amazon .It looks like the previous owner had the same issue and put in line fuses and only left 1 fuse in it

[Joefrommi65 26]

Think I figured it out.....bad relay

dumped a little fuel it fired but I stopped there and pulled the fuel tank to clean it I due have an online fuse that the wire pulled out of somewhere I have to track down think it is black whit a red strip

Any way I thank you all for your help and suggestions  

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,775]

Don't know when it happened or for how long but Wheel Horse did use black wires with a colored stripe. A black wire with a red strip was considered a red wire.

Do you have the model number of the tractor so we can look at a correct wiring diagram?

[Joefrommi65 26]

Thanks for the help it's model number 31-160802 I believe. I have 2 different wireing diagrams cant quite make either out as far as the colors of the wires

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,775]

If you download the 6-page file each circuit has it's own diagram.

 

[Joefrommi65 26]

Thanks alot I don't think the engine side plug has black with red stripe but will check tommarow 

[Joefrommi65 26]

Well the engine side harness did not have a black with red stripe it was solid red so the opposite plug for the tractor side was missing the wire it would've connected too so I guess I will add an inline fuse to  that wire. The red wire went to the voltage regulator is there a way to test if it's working when I get it running ?and again thanks very much!!!!!

[lynnmor 8,140]

23 minutes ago, Joefrommi65 said:

Well the engine side harness did not have a black with red stripe it was solid red so the opposite plug for the tractor side was missing the wire it would've connected too so I guess I will add an inline fuse to  that wire. The red wire went to the voltage regulator is there a way to test if it's working when I get it running ?and again thanks very much!!!!!

 

You really need the Onan Service Manual.

[Joefrommi65 26]

Looking through it now but what is confusing me is I believe this engine or wireing harnesses has been replaced.

Edited October 19 by Joefrommi65

[lynnmor 8,140]

You can download the Demystification Guide to see a simplified diagram of each circuit.

[Joefrommi65 26]

Thanks

[Joefrommi65 26]

Well folks thanks for everyones help got the old girl fired up this morning lots of work left to do but I believe the hard part is done

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,775]

On 10/19/2025 at 9:01 AM, Joefrommi65 said:

Is there a way to test if it's working when I get it running ? and again thanks very much!!!!!

Check voltage across the battery terminals at the battery. Record voltage.

Start engine and voltage should increase if the system is in order.