JD 4300 cranks intermittently

[Skinwalker]

New to list.

I have a JD 4300 that cranks intermittently. When it works life is good, but when it is being difficult I turn the key and it doesn't turn over. I can start it by using a small jumper wire at the starter ground and putting the jumper into the connection where the small white wire is connected to the starter, if someone else sits on the seat. It starts quick and runs normally using this method. Until I get off the seat and then it dies immediately. If I am not on the sit and turn on the key there is a soft click behind the fuse box, but if I sit on the seat and turn the key there is a loud click behind the fuse box. This leads me to believe the seat switch is fine but apparently is another lockout switch or something else that is working intermittently. Can't find the schematic I once had. Any ideas?

Occasionally I treat stupidity as if it were a virtue so forgive me if this is a simple error on my part.

Capt. Bones

 

[beenthere]

:welcome:
Solve the seat problem first by putting a jumper wire across the female plug. That will isolate that question in your mind.
I'll look at the schematics and try to see how you are putting on that jumper.

There needs to be a click (and can visually watch) that engages the fuel shut-off solenoid. Look to see that it is working all the time.
Here is starting schematic. Maybe it will help.

 

[Skinwalker]

Wow! Thanks for the reply. The schematic will be of great value. That and your comments I should be able to track down the problem with my trusty Fluke multimeter. Thanks again.

Capt. Bones

 

[BRBurns]

Is it a hydrostat? If so and it dies when you get off the seat, then the switch for the forward or reverse pedal is acting up. You should be able to get off the seat without it dieing. Also check the PTO switch

 

[stuart]

Could it be a thermister?

 

[Brimstone10x]

the thermister causes the fuel solenod not to pull in but would still crank fine.