Kohler CV 15S No Start -Deere LT155

Red Horse · Nov 16, 2015

Well I was a hero when I bought the wife her "own" tractor. Something to just haul a dump cart with and also pull the grandkids around in. I've lost my hero status. Starting issues,

So far, I ran a hot lead to the terminal on the starter totaling by passing the rest of the starting circuit--key, solenoid etc- just lead on negagtive post on jump pack to engine block, and hot wire to starter lug. Starter grunted but would not spin.

Then took starter OFF engine and repeated the hook up and it roared to life.

so with the starter on the tractor, no action-with starter removed from tractor it powers up just fine.

Could there be one of the safety switches that is the issue? Tractor has no attachments but could the PTO activation switch somehow be the issue.?

Starter solenoid is the four post type. Went on You tube and one of the "character" mechanics says the lower left tab is the hot lead and the tab on the right is just a ground. With everything in place and key on-
-test light on lead from battery to solenoid hot post -good bright light.
-test light on solenoid post to starter-NO light
-test light on small "hot tab" on lower left-just a dull light.

appreciate any suggestions.

Red Horse · Nov 17, 2015

Red Horse said:
Well I was a hero when I bought the wife her "own" tractor. Something to just haul a dump cart with and also pull the grandkids around in. I've lost my hero status. Starting issues,

So far, I ran a hot lead to the terminal on the starter totaling by passing the rest of the starting circuit--key, solenoid etc- just lead on negagtive post on jump pack to engine block, and hot wire to starter lug. Starter grunted but would not spin.

Then took starter OFF engine and repeated the hook up and it roared to life.

so with the starter on the tractor, no action-with starter removed from tractor it powers up just fine.

Could there be one of the safety switches that is the issue? Tractor has no attachments but could the PTO activation switch somehow be the issue.?

Starter solenoid is the four post type. Went on You tube and one of the "character" mechanics says the lower left tab is the hot lead and the tab on the right is just a ground. With everything in place and key on-
-test light on lead from battery to solenoid hot post -good bright light.
-test light on solenoid post to starter-NO light
-test light on small "hot tab" on lower left-just a dull light.

appreciate any suggestions.

Further to this-just thinking-if the issue WAS one of the safety switches,seems like I would not even get a "grunt" out of the starter correct??

which says as starter spins freely when removed from tractor and with ground on starter case, one way or another this has tobe a ground issue??

But if that is the case and with the starter back on tractor but battery disconnected from circuit and jumper ground going from battery to engine block and positive going to starter lug I get nothing!

Appreciate any thoughts.