C-175 electric woes

[Torino 15]

First it is not charging.  Second, the engine will just cut off.  Once I was running it and turned on the lights and it cut off.  Sometimes when it cuts off it will do nothing when you turn the key but it will eventually start.  May run a while or cut off again right away as it you where turning the key off.

[Jeff-C175 7,206]

Sounds to me like the ignition switch has gone intermittent.  This could also account for the 'not charging' problem as well.

 

Do you own and know how to use a multimeter?

[Torino 15]

Yes, I can use a meter.

[Jeff-C175 7,206]

Have you got the schematic for your tractor?

 

We should deal with one issue at a time, engine running problem first:

 

Wire colors can differ... but my 1980 C175 schematic says the ignition wire from the switch is BLACK. 

 

Put the negative of the meter on the negative battery post.

 

Put the meter positive on the (+) PLUS terminal of the coil.

 

With PTO disengaged, you should see battery voltage at the coil when key is in RUN position.

 

If you DO see the battery voltage there, jiggle the ignition switch around, turn key off / on / off  a few times and watch voltage.  If you have sometimes, and sometimes not, ignition switch probably bad.

 

Do same with PTO lever... you could have a problem with the PTO safety interlock.

 

Now, put butt in seat and push PTO lever to engage (tractor does not need to be running by the way...)

 

You should still have battery voltage at the coil.

 

Lift butt off seat, battery voltage should go away.  Butt back down, it should come back.  This is testing the seat safety switch.

 

Any one of those three switches could be 'flaky' and cause the engine to cut out.

 

Let us know what you find.

Edited August 5, 2013 by Jeffpicks

[Jeff-C175 7,206]

 

Sometimes when it cuts off it will do nothing when you turn the key

 

By NOTHING, do you mean that the starter won't turn... and not even a 'click' from the starter solenoid?

 

I know you know this, but need to mention it because it's 'gotten' me a few times...

 

Starter will not crank if PTO is engaged.

Edited August 5, 2013 by Jeffpicks

[Torino 15]

I do have a schematic.  I will get on this and let you know what I find out.

[Torino 15]

When you turn the key it will not do anything, no clicking or anything.

[Torino 15]

Hooked up meter.  No voltage in run (I do have voltage in start though) .  Jiggled key no voltage.  I do have voltage in run if I turn the lights on. but lights do not work. When I engage brake pedal  I have voltage sometimes.  Tried trans lever and pto still no voltage.  Seat switch is bypassed.

[Jeff-C175 7,206]

I'm afraid that this one is gonna be nigh impossible to troubleshoot without being there...

 

Has the wiring been 'messed with' ?  That's what it sounds like to me.

[Torino 15]

Not by me but it does have a replacment engine. It came with a series 1 and now has a series 2, so the wiring could be missed up.  I guess what I could do is go over ever wire using the schematic.  Fun, fun.

[Jeff-C175 7,206]

Thankfully, the 175 is not all complicated like some of the later models... but yeah, PITA when you have to try and figure out what someone else might have buggered all up.

 

Let us know what you find...

[Torino 15]

It turned out to be the switch.  Put a new one on and all is well.  It is also charging again.