fatboycowen 31 #1 Posted May 27, 2015 I've got some minor issues coming up on my 518xi. I'd like to address them before they become big issues.1. My ignition switch seems to be acting funny. Only sometimes. When i start the tractor, i turn the key, the engine cranks and fires up, but when i release the key, it shuts down. I figured out that if i move the key back in the right way, it will stay running. This only happens every so often.2. Hot starts seem to be difficult sometimes. The tractor used to start very easily when warm. Now, it's sometimes tough to get started. It sometimes takes a few tries. Is the carburetor adjustable on these?Otherwise, it runs pretty darn well. up to 540 hours now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shallowwatersailor 3,214 #2 Posted May 27, 2015 The ignition switch could be the cause of both problems. The internal contacts might be bad. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RMCIII 838 #3 Posted May 28, 2015 Couple items to check. Mine did the same thing, then it fried the 20amp fuse. I mean cooked it. I found out I did have a lose wire on one of the contacts of the starter switch, I also had a bad seat sensor. These (2) items were causing my 518 to act the same way upon starting....As for your warm start, where is your engine temp. gauge sitting? I'm going to go out on a limb and say it is time for the engine fins to be cleaned........Rob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatboycowen 31 #4 Posted May 28, 2015 Yes, I am due for engine cleaning. Not sure when i'll get to it. My to do list is a mile long...Temp got up to just above half, maybe 5/8 when mowing for about an hour. Ext temp was low 80s. Last year was worse, but i blew a ton of crap out of the motor with an air gun on my compressor. The temp went down on mowings after that.I'll mess with the ignition switch and wires running to it. Perhaps i'll remove and clean all connections, and use dielectric grease on reinstall.My seat switch is bypassed, by previous owner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatboycowen 31 #5 Posted May 28, 2015 The ignition switch could be the cause of both problems. The internal contacts might be bad. I don't think, but not sure. When the ignition switch was wonky, the dash lights wouldn't be on when the switch was in the bad spot. The hot start thing didn't seem the same.Hot start problem occurred even when the temp gauge was only up to maybe 1/4. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snowmobileaddict 403 #6 Posted May 29, 2015 I had the same issue last fall on my 2003 522xi with 285 hrs. Tested the switch with a continuity meter. It was not working correctly.kind of a spendy part because it wasn't used on many models, but it did the trick. All works now. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatboycowen 31 #7 Posted June 5, 2015 Another question - At max throttle, i'm getting like 3350 rpm. I think it's supposed to be 3600. How do i adjust the governor? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dennys502 246 #8 Posted June 8, 2015 518xi recommended rpm 3400 max. So you're pretty close. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatboycowen 31 #9 Posted June 8, 2015 Sweet. Thank you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
