L-156 starting issues

[Horsin'round 412]

My starter was struggling on my lawn ranger,  so I removed it from the tractor for cleaning/ inspection.  What I found was that the brushes were worn.

 

I cleaned everything,  put it all back together and tried it again, while I sourced parts. Performance was less than ideal. Once I got the brushes,  opened it up again and installed. When bench tested, the starter now functions as intended. 

 

I installed it on the tractor,  made sure the battery was fully charged, turned the ignition switch  - click, then nothing. So I pulled the starter again,  thinking that my parts installation failed,  but again bench tested fine.  

 

So I pulled out the multimeter and started testing pathways. Without a third hand,  I attempted to test continuity from the positive cable through the switch to the starter (cable). 

 

When I turned the key to the start position,  the meter spiked up,  then dropped,  not quite to open. 

 

That just doesn't seem right to me.  It was very difficult to get a picture while turning the key,  but it was repeatable. 

 

Before I go further,  I thought it best to ask.  Is my logic sound? Is there something I am missing? And the ultimate question,  do I bite the bullet and replace the switch?

 

Thanks guys!

 

 

 

 

[pfrederi 20,422]

I would run a heavy jumper cable from Bat+ to the starter motor terminal.. If it cranks then the starter is grounded adequately and the issue is up stream.  Next put 12 volts on the small solenoid terminal if it works then I would check grounds but plan on new switch

 

EDIT

Just realized you do not have a solenoid do you??  My Lawn ranger is a L107 that I converted to electric start with just push button to crank her.

 

If jump to the starter works try aheavy jumper to the S terminal on the switch see if that works.  

Edited 6 hours ago by pfrederi

[squonk 46,335]

It may not be your problem but your cables have seen  better days. I would replace them.

 

[Lane Ranger 11,956]

Clean all the cable ends or replace like Squonk suggests.   Also the moot for the L-156 Lawn Ranger has that kind of unique rectifier board with the two diodes.  

 

My Old Lawn Ranger was one of my favorite Wheel Horse tractors!

 

 

  Make sure the diodes are all clean on the ends and replace as needed.

 

[Horsin'round 412]

1 hour ago, squonk said:

cables have seen  better days. 

 

All the wiring looks questionable. 

 

As suggested by @squonk said @Lane Ranger, I cleaned every connection,  reinstalled the battery,  turned the key  - the starter engaged immediately!

 

Mine isn't nearly as pretty as yours,  lane,  but she gives me a huge grin when I mow with her. 

 

It's one I intend to bring to the show. I'll be sure to ride by and say hi.