GT 1554 won't turn over

[franmech]

I wouldn't be so quick with the solenoid, if you have 8 volts at the small blue wire when it is connected and the key is turned to start then there's your problem. 4.5V drop will not likely work the solenoid like it should. I'd check all your connections, i.e. safety switches and key switch and pto switch.......................Of course I could always be wrong, I would get solenoid tested. If solenoid is separate from starter then no big deal, it's cheap enough. But if it is mounted on starter, watch out=expensive.

 

[RussellJ]

I installed a new starter and solenoid and the engine now cranks and starts
however, sometimes it just clicks the first time the key is turned but then cranks and starts and sometimes it sounds like the started is really straining to turn it over. Most times it cranks and starts fine.
Am I missing something? Thanks, Russell

 

[TractorLarry]

My 1864 does the same thing. I think it's engine compression.

-Larry

I installed a new starter and solenoid and the engine now cranks and starts
however, sometimes it just clicks the first time the key is turned but then cranks and starts and sometimes it sounds like the started is really straining to turn it over. Most times it cranks and starts fine.
Am I missing something? Thanks, Russell

 

[Gator6x4]

I installed a new starter and solenoid and the engine now cranks and starts
however, sometimes it just clicks the first time the key is turned but then cranks and starts and sometimes it sounds like the started is really straining to turn it over. Most times it cranks and starts fine.
Am I missing something? Thanks, Russell

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but yes, you probably missed something.
The no start or click when attempted to start is an issue with several makes of equipment. A correction for this is to install a relay. The instructions for this on the cub are as follows:

Purchase a five (5) prong relay. I like the type with a tab. This allows the placement of the relay near the starter with a sheet metal screw. Some like the type that mounts through the use of a bracket. The relay needs to have the following terminals, 30-85-86-87-87a. A auto parts store can supply. Or, if you want to spend big bucks purchase one from MTD/Cub Cadet. The part # for the Cub Cadet relay is 925-1375.
Remove the wire from the key switch to the starter solenoid. (Remove the wire at the solenoid - pull from the spade terminal)If you are lucky, install this wire on terminal # 85 on the relay. If unlucky splice a wire onto the wire so it will reach where you have mounted the relay. Connect a wire to terminal # 86 and attach the other end of the wire to a good ground. Install a wire on the terminal on the starter where you previously removed the wire from the switch, attach the other end of the wire to terminal # 30 on the relay. Install a wire with a 20 amp inline fuse on the main battery wire at the starteer or another 12 volt source. Connect the other end of this new 12 volt source to terminal # 87 on the relay. No wires should be connected to terminal # 87a. Now when you turn the key to start, the voltage from the switch collapses the relay and the new 12 volt source engerizes the starter. This no start or clicking problem started when safety switches where added to the start system.

Good luck - Happy starting.

 

[Dutch445]

We had the same unit in on trade, with intermittent
starting problems, previous customer had
jumped the brake switch also..
come to find out, in the connector down near the
right rear side of the engine, i think it was white,
with about 6 wires in it.. one of the terminals was pulling
back out of the connector, and everytime the wire
got moved, it might make or break that connection.
I eventually noticed the arc in the connector and then
saw the terminal pulling back out. it was an easy fix,
and an even luckier find.
good luck

 

[RussellJ]

Thanks for the additional info. Now I have something else try!

 

[RussellJ]

I give up. After improving some after the starter/solenoid replacement it is getting worse again and now blowing fuses sometimes. Dealer is coming to get it today! Thanks for all the previous info. Russell