snowhound 106 #1 Posted October 4, 2011 Replaced the starter in my 1988 416-8 because engine would turn over about once and stop. Thought it was the starter because sometimes if I tapped the starter with key turned to start it would turn over. After replacing the starter I have the same problem. It has a new battery and the ground connection to the tractor is clean. Sometimes it will turn over fine but most of the time it starts to crank and then acts like there isn't enough power to turn the engine over. Any ideas? Would to much oil cause this? I didn't check it and didn't think about it until I was on my way home, the tractor is at my son's place. Ed (Snowhound) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
305 380 #2 Posted October 4, 2011 what gauge are your battery cables? you have a new battery , but is there a solenoid on your tractor that could be bad? what happens when you try with the spark plug out? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
snowhound 106 #3 Posted October 4, 2011 The cables are good but I don't know the gauge off hand I will check when I go back up there, they look to be the same as my other 416-8. I have jumped the solenoid and got the same results, haven't tried without the plug. Should this engine have a compression release on it?? Ed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #4 Posted October 4, 2011 A bad cable will cause this, check the ends make sure they are in good shape, is the ground hooked to the engine? is this a twin? make sure the engine bolts to frame are tight, I've found many of the twin onans with loose mounting bolts and if the ground bolts to the frame it will not ground properly, my 520 ground bolts to a engine mounting bolt and was loose and cranked slow, or not at all, my mower tractor a 246H had this issue a few weeks ago, would crank once then stop, I seen a puff of smoke, and found the ground cable loose at the engine mounting bolt also. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
snowhound 106 #5 Posted October 4, 2011 It is a Kohler magnum and I looked for a ground cable from the engine to the frame but couldn't find one. I am looking for a wiring diagram to see where it should be. I'll be going up there later today and have a battery cable that I will run from an engine mounting bolt to the frame. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,333 #6 Posted October 4, 2011 The engine should be grounded to the frame through it's mounting bolts. The ground wire from the battery should attach to the frame. I have found that more times than not, the cable from the solenoid to the starter will have a poor crimp at the lug where it attaches to the starter. If you have a Battery Warehouse store in your area, take the cable to them. They will put new ends on it for $1.50 each. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
snowhound 106 #7 Posted October 5, 2011 I removed the plug and it turned over fine, replaced plug and it starter fine. I tried it about 6 times in the next two hours and every time it started fine. There is a relay mounted on the right side does anyone know what it is for. or can anyone tell me where I can find a wireing diagram for my 1988 416-8? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,333 #8 Posted October 5, 2011 1987/88 416-8 Wiring I have the 416-8 wiring supplement from Wheel Horse. Here is a copy. 416 Wiring Manual Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
snowhound 106 #9 Posted October 12, 2011 Thanks for all the help. The tractor is up and running and I hope to do a final mowing this weekend. Thanks again Ed (Snowhound) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
