Cub Cadet 7195 Compact Tractor Won't Start

[kentmurphy]

I have a Cub Cadet 7195 with a Mitsubishi K3E engine that won't start. Here's what's going on ...

When I attempt to crank the engine, I hear a loud clack coming from the starter. The engine did turn over twice when attempting to start, but a majority of the time I heard only the loud clack. The starter was extremely hot as you can image.

I replaced the starter but the behavior did not change. I hear a loud clack and the engine doesn't turn over.

I've checked all cables and can't find any obvious problems.

Any ideas on what might be wrong would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[K5lwq]

Welcome to TBN!

I assume you have checked the battery. If not worth looking at.

A little background would help. Is this a new tractor to you? Has it been parked for a extended period of time? Any issues last time it was used?

 

[Roadworthy]

My guess is low voltage / current to the starter. I'd begin by getting the battery load tested - battery age is not relevant. Next clean the battery terminals and the connecting cable terminals thoroughly. Replace the cables onto the terminals and tighten securely. Follow the ground lead to the frame. Clean that connection, too - no paint to insulate it. Tighten securely. Now try the starter and let us know if it still won't work.

 

[denchen]

Have you a starter motor/electric issue, or is the engine tight for some reason. I would turn the engine over to make sure its free before going further.

 

[kentmurphy]

Welcome to TBN!

I assume you have checked the battery. If not worth looking at.

A little background would help. Is this a new tractor to you? Has it been parked for a extended period of time? Any issues last time it was used?

Thanks!

Ah forgot to mention I put in a new battery ... so all good there.

This is not a new tractor. The athletic association I'm a board member at has owned it for about 15 years. Really no problems until now. It was used right up until the time it stopped running which was approx. 2 months ago.

When I was told the tractor wasn't running, I took a look at it and discovered it had zero oil in the engine. I was told the oil was drained after the engine stopped running so the engine never ran without oil. Does make me a little suspicious though.

 

[kentmurphy]

My guess is low voltage / current to the starter. I'd begin by getting the battery load tested - battery age is not relevant. Next clean the battery terminals and the connecting cable terminals thoroughly. Replace the cables onto the terminals and tighten securely. Follow the ground lead to the frame. Clean that connection, too - no paint to insulate it. Tighten securely. Now try the starter and let us know if it still won't work.

I inspected the battery cables and found nothing unusual ... but I do agree a good cleaning and a closer inspection is warranted.

 

[kentmurphy]

Have you a starter motor/electric issue, or is the engine tight for some reason. I would turn the engine over to make sure its free before going further.

I agree. I need to try cranking the engine by hand.

 

[dodge man]

No oil in the engine? A little suspicious? I think I would be more than a little suspicious. I agree get a wrench on it to see if it is free. Worse case scenario is the engine is locked up, as in ruined from running with no oil.

 

[kentmurphy]

No oil in the engine? A little suspicious? I think I would be more than a little suspicious. I agree get a wrench on it to see if it is free. Worse case scenario is the engine is locked up, as in ruined from running with no oil.

Keep in mind I was able to turn the engine over a few times, but then it was back to the clacking sound. I guess a seized engine can turnover a few times and go back to being seized again.

 

[kentmurphy]

What would you guys do ... rebuild the engine or buy a new one? They make a rebuild kit for the K3E ... but I guess I need to teardown the engine first to determine what was damaged. Ug.