Need help troubleshooting ...

[Al C. 1,428]

Yesterday I was using my SK-486 to clean up the yard.  It runs great.  I turned it off for a minute to pick up some debris.  When I got back on and turned the key, nothing happened.  I thought it might be the battery, so I jumped it.  Again, nothing.  There is no indication that the starter is getting any juice.  I've never had difficulty starting before. The lights and hour-clock are working fine.  I'm thinking the starter crapped-out.  Any thoughts on how I can better troubleshoot before I invest in a new starter?  Appreciate everyone ideas.  Pictures attached. 

[DennisThornton 4,771]

Download the wiring diagram and step through the starter circuit.  Pretty easy but holler if it is not clear.

Blown fuse, safety switch...

[rmaynard 16,298]

Rarely does the starter die a quick death. First rule of troubleshooting, check all ground connections. If the tractor is equipped with safety swtiches, be sure they are working. Seat switch? PTO switch? Clutch switch? When you turn the key to start, does the solenoid click?

Edited November 2, 2015 by rmaynard

[squonk 43,825]

first thing I would check is the ammeter if it has one. another thing, looking at your pics, that neg cable on the battery looks like it has seen better days and looks like the end is stressed from being too short. Also check that added on fuse holder. I have seen those springs inside them fail

Edited November 2, 2015 by squonk

[kiotiken 105]

First off that is a great looking tractor. Secondly I agree with Dennis. Double check safety switches. Then with a 12 volt tester start testing connections.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[DennisThornton 4,771]

First thing i usually do is make sure it's in neutral and jump from the positive terminal to the small red wire on the solenoid.  Very clearly shown in your photo.  If the solenoid engages and the starter turns then it's in the wiring in front of the solenoid.  But I still say download your wiring diagram.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,484]

These wiring diagrams should match what you have
http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/84-tractor-1982-c-series-wiring-detailedpdf/

Garry

[Al C. 1,428]

I've got some time this morning.  Sounds like the volt meter and wiring diagram are the best places to start (I have both).  I'll let you all know what I find.  Thank you for the advice.  

[Pullstart 66,763]

How's that for 37 minutes of help?  Amazing what this group can accomplish with a few pics and a background check of the tractor!

[Al C. 1,428]

Dennis, I jumped the positive battery terminal to the red wire on the starter ... there is life in that starter !!!!   Now I'm working backwards from there.  I'll let you all know what I find.  Thanks !!!

I found the problem - PTO interlock.  I had the mower attachment engage while I was trying to start.  Ok, guys ... I deserve my fair share of ribbing.   I've never before turned off the tractor before disengaging the mower (I was in a hurry) and it didn't dawn on me to check it.  Thank you for all your help.  It is unbelievable the support that exists through the members on this site. 

[Al C. 1,428]

I found the problem - PTO interlock.  I had the mower attachment engage while I was trying to start.  Ok, guys ... I deserve my fair share of ribbing.   I've never before turned off the tractor before disengaging the mower (I was in a hurry) and it didn't dawn on me to check it.  Thank you for all your help.  It is unbelievable the support that exists through the members on this site. 

[oldredrider 2,553]

It's good to know your PTO interlock is working!

[squonk 43,825]

Glad that was it. but I would still make a visit to the negative cable and maybe replace it with a longer one. It may fail later on down the line.

Example: I bought a C-160 from a friend 5 yrs. ago. When we unloaded it, it wouldn't start and I saw a spark at the positive end at the solenoid. I crimped the end on the wire and it started up. I was going to replace the wire but never did. This summer I went to mow and sparks flew out of that wire end like the 4th of July. Then I remembered that I was supposed to replace that. Tractor is in the shop now for a refresh and that wire is going in the circular file. (Trash can) 

[WNYPCRepair 1,923]

I found the problem - PTO interlock.  I had the mower attachment engage while I was trying to start.  Ok, guys ... I deserve my fair share of ribbing.   I've never before turned off the tractor before disengaging the mower (I was in a hurry) and it didn't dawn on me to check it.  Thank you for all your help.  It is unbelievable the support that exists through the members on this site. 

I was just blowing out the mouse nest I found in the JD I rescued. I stuffed a clean rag in the carb, and then put the filter on over that, so I didn't get any in the carb. 

 

Finished up, and couldn't figure out why it would barely run. Ran better after I took the rag out!  

[Al C. 1,428]

So, I'm not the first ?!    Thanks !

[WNYPCRepair 1,923]

So, I'm not the first ?!    Thanks !

And you won't be the last.   

[857 horse 2,588]

Most likely there is nothing wrong with AI C 's tractor....
What i think is happening is....He just found this W/H still in the factory box...He just opened the box...and is showing off his very very
nice looking machine.....this is his way of saying...."Hey guys,,,,lookie at what i found ""

Very nice....Your pics make me want to go out and give all my machines a nice bath..........

Lookin good !!!!!!    keep it up
 

[953 nut 60,019]

Lots of us are members of the "Red Face Club" having overlooked the obvious and gone around from one rabbit hole to the next.        

[DennisThornton 4,771]

Dennis, I jumped the positive battery terminal to the red wire on the starter ... there is life in that starter !!!!   Now I'm working backwards from there.  I'll let you all know what I find.  Thanks !!!

I found the problem - PTO interlock.  I had the mower attachment engage while I was trying to start.  Ok, guys ... I deserve my fair share of ribbing.   I've never before turned off the tractor before disengaging the mower (I was in a hurry) and it didn't dawn on me to check it.  Thank you for all your help.  It is unbelievable the support that exists through the members on this site. 

Don't beat yourself up too bad!  I'm not telling you or ANYBODY here what I did a couple of days ago.  Just as bad or worse!
Glad you got it worked out!

[TDF5G 2,073]

I found the problem - PTO interlock.  I had the mower attachment engage while I was trying to start.  Ok, guys ... I deserve my fair share of ribbing.   I've never before turned off the tractor before disengaging the mower (I was in a hurry) and it didn't dawn on me to check it.  Thank you for all your help.  It is unbelievable the support that exists through the members on this site. 

This was my first thought but I'm late to the party.

So, I'm not the first ?!    Thanks !

There are two kinds of WH owners.  Those who've left the PTO engaged, and those who say they never did!

Edited November 3, 2015 by TDF5G

[JPWH 6,358]

Sometimes I feel like the member of the month of the famous red faced club !

[roadapples 6,983]

Sometimes I feel like the member of the month of the famous red faced club !

That`s just a reflection off the hood. Better red than green.