Dead battery after 2-3 starts

[wheelhorsekid 141]

I just picked up a '79 C 161 and put a new battery in it because the old one was dead when I purchased the tractor. After 2 or 3 starts the battery is dead and I had to jump the tractor. After I jumped it and turned it off it wouldn't start again due to a dead battery. does anyone know what could be causing this? I'm not really good with reparing these tractors so any help would be appreciated.

I'll post some pics tonight of this alongside m restored '74 C 160.

Thank you!!!

[rmaynard 16,693]

You are going to have to do a little troubleshooting. There are many threads on here that deal with the same subject. Do a search in the electrical section.

First thing is to be sure that ALL grounds are good, especially from the battery to the chassis.

[JamesBe1 84]

Good advice from Bob.

I would add to that to check the voltage at the battery with the engine running, and with the engine and key off. You should have 14-15 volts with it running, and about 12-13 volts with it off. While you are at it, with the engine running, put the meter on AC Volts and check it at the battery. There should be nothing more than a few millivolts.

My guess is going to be that you are not going to see enough volts to the battery while it is running and it is not being charged.

[wallfish 18,787]

Did you repair the wires?

I see in your other thread that the tractor you just bought needed some wiring replaced or repaired, so you should start there. Get the correct wiring diagram and make sure EVERYTHING is wired CORRECTLY with good clean contacts as well.

Like Bob wrote, there is plenty of info in the electrical section to help you out. Check the manual section for an electrical diagram for your tractor too

[dbartlett1958 99]

Sounds like your battery is being drained by a short. Check your wiring and key switch.

[CRE1992 143]

It seems from what you are talking about that you have a parasitic loss or drain. Try cleaning all of the grounds, and check all of the connections. Also check if your battery is being charged when running. When running at full throttle, you should see it charging approximately between 13.6vdc and 14.3vdc.

[pfrederi 19,269]

disconnect your neg battery cable, wire a 12v light bulb between it and the negative battery terminal with the key off the light should not glow. If it does you have a short to ground somewhere.