castilered 0 #1 Posted August 17, 2013 Well, this is my first crack at this forum so here goes! I own a 1975 B80 and a 1993? 518 with the 18 horse Onan. Both tractors have run great all summer. First, the B80 was doing some mowing last week and quit on my wife. I believe the key was left in on position for a while,,, but was able to jump start it but not start it after an overnight low volt charge. Purchased a new battery and spark plug (it was time) and now I can't get as much as a "click" out of it when trying to start it. Tried tapping starter housing...nothing. What should I try next? The 518 is a great addition and mows beautifully! Mowing the other day and it just quit running. I noticed the plastic fuel filter was pinched with a zip tie and had begun to weaken the plastic. Decided to replace that. It was not the issue. After tractor rested for an hour it fired right back up. Drove it to garage to do further work and it quit again. Removed air filter and carburetor cover. Cleaned top of carb, air dried, and it fired right back up, ran for 3 minutes and quit. Placed hand over top of carb, and suction is good, and it is getting gas. Over the past two days have started it probably 6 times and it will run for 3-5 minutes and quit. Can't start it for at least an hour or two and does the same thing. Any ideas? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheelhorse84 87 #2 Posted August 17, 2013 Had the same problem with my 16 hp onan. I replaced the coil still had the issue. Ended up being the ignition module on the flywheel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,841 #3 Posted August 17, 2013 With the B-80 issue, there could be so many things awry.... corroder wiring, burnt out solenoid or starter switch, shorted out starter, or simply a loose wire somewhere in the circuit. Replacing the battery is a good start if it wouldn't hold charge over-nite. I would caution you against smacking that starter with anything as you are quite likely to ruin it forever...(just like a step-child). It doesn't take too much of a whack on the side to break the magnets inside, converting it to a paperweight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,512 #4 Posted August 17, 2013 B-80 operator manual that includes the wiring Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
castilered 0 #5 Posted August 18, 2013 Thank you all for your help. I was able to narrow the B80 to the solenoid or switch using a jumper wire to override solenoid. I also caught up with another WH buddy who told me to let someone else mess with the 518H problem. He prefers to only work on the Kohlers. Is the ignition module on the flywheel a tough fix? Are there good manuals available for the 518H? Can I also find out what year it actually is with the serial number? Thanx again!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheelhorse84 87 #6 Posted August 18, 2013 (edited) I first replaced my $190 coil by myself thinking that was the problem. I had my local dealer fix the module seeing that I wanted them to run the proper tests to make sure it was the module before a spent another $200. Edited August 18, 2013 by c series Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,512 #7 Posted August 19, 2013 Thank you all for your help. I was able to narrow the B80 to the solenoid or switch using a jumper wire to override solenoid. I also caught up with another WH buddy who told me to let someone else mess with the 518H problem. He prefers to only work on the Kohlers. Is the ignition module on the flywheel a tough fix? Are there good manuals available for the 518H? Can I also find out what year it actually is with the serial number? Thanx again!! Onan service manual Post the model and serial number of the tractor. Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
