Electrical Mysteries in My Craftsman/Kohler 18hp

[LowSHO]

Thanks. I am going to replace the ignition switch and the PTO switch. Searches on this and other forums indicate that these are the most likely culprits. I'll let you know what happens.

 

[LowSHO]

It was the ignition switch. I figured that the ignition problems, the sudden PTO death, and the lights failure had to have a common cause. I went to Sears (and don't they have the worst parts look-up and inventory control anyone has ever seen?), bought a new one, installed it in fifteen minutes, and everything is working fine now.

Thanks to all.

 

[Jim Thompson]

You can research parts for anything Sears on-line. Just Google "sears- the parts store", go to the parts look up link, enter your model number. You can order on line or check availability of the part you need at your local Sears parts outlet. It also indicates the price.

 

[LowSHO]

All that is true. However.....armed with the model number of the tractor, the part number of ignition switch, the schematic from the owner's manual (which also had the part number), it took longer for the Sears counterman to get it up on his computer than it did for me to actually get the old ignition switch out and the new one put in.

Sears Parts is not a customer-friendly operation, unfortunately. I would have ordered the part online, but the Parts store is only 15 miles away and it was a nice day for a drive.

 

[Jim Thompson]

I agree 100 % on purchasing parts from Sears. However, those ignition switches are very common and you likely could have found one at almost any small engine repair shop.

 

[machmeter62]

Since it's time to cut the grass, I took out my (I don't know how old) Craftsman, which has served me well for many years. I had a problem starting it. Twisting the key got the crank to move only slightly, but wiggling the key in the Start position finally got it running.

Then the PTO would not engage. No click, no nothing. Groaning to myself since I hate electrical problems, I checked the headlight which would not come on.

There was no meter drop when I flipped that switch, and no meter drop when I tried the PTO switch.

Are all these problems related? I had it out and running (including the PTO) for a spring cleanup during some warm days in February, but left it out and it snowed and rained on the poor thing.

I checked the wiring visually and there seems to be no chew-throughs or broken wires. The 30 amp fuse is good.

I searched this forum to see if anyone else had had this problem, but no luck.

I've been lurking here for some time and have always found it useful. I hope someone can point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance.

I have the same vintage tractor that I purchased new in '87, and it has been very dependable. However, the same problem your having happened to me, and I followed your same procedures, and all the wiring etc checked okay. However, I checked that 30AMP fuse several times with my Ohm meter, then put some WD-40 in the fuse holder to get better continuity, and still no luck! Again I OHM-ed all the connections for continuity, and was in the process of taking it for repair. But I thought I would give the fuse holder that I had cleaned prior another check for good tight continuity by squeezing the fuse holder gently tighter with pliers with the fuse inserted. Following all the normal start procedures, it fired right up and has run well again for the last couple of years, with no problems!