318 clicks when attempting to start

[EdB3]

I cut the lawn yesterday with no problem, started fine as usual, I did replace the 7 year old battery last month. Cleaned the tractor with my backpack blower and when I went to put it away it would not start, only clicks. Attached battery charger for 30 minutes, showed 13.6 volts. I had this happen occasionally, clicks a few times but then would always start. 1987 318 with Onan P218 engine, 950 hours. Started or solenoid problem?

 

[Shaneard]

Solenoid more than likely. Tap it with a hammer (gently) and see if it helps.

 

[EdB3]

thank you will try at lunch time.

 

[Kish318420]

Also look at the key switch, this is a known failure point due to all the current passing through it for the solenoid, PTO(s), lights, etc. The internals pit from the arcing, corrosion, dirt.

 

[Amvcane]

My older 318 will do something similar every now and then and it is always a loose battery cable.
John Deere made something called a starter improvement kit to help overcome the problem you are having. The kit is basically a relay. The key switch engages the relay and full battery power is sent to the solenoid. Without it the current path goes through the key switch.

 

[Kish318420]

That would be true it it had the B43E in it, and has not been repowered with the newer Onan engine, but OP says P218G and that was the year it had the P218G straight from Deere, because mine is and 87 also.

 

[Oldoak]

My older 318 will do something similar every now and then and it is always a loose battery cable.
John Deere made something called a starter improvement kit to help overcome the problem you are having. The kit is basically a relay. The key switch engages the relay and full battery power is sent to the solenoid. Without it the current path goes through the key switch.

:thumbsup:

Yep, that is what I added to my JD 318 years ago when I had that identical problem. Problem solved. Added the same for my neighbors 318 also. About a $24 part. Easy to follow instructions and simple enough to attach yourself.

 

[Kish318420]

That may delay the key switch dying totally for a period of time. However it will eventual die. It did on the 420 I have, I put the reliable starting relay kit in first and it worked for two weeks of mowing then died, still ended up replacing the key switch.