Kubota 1670 Won't Start

[hofilbert]

I have an '06 1670 that I use very little, maybe 10 mins. each week in the summer only. So, its like new and garage kept. Yesterday, I went to start it and only a quick ERHhh. I went to charge it, and it wouldn't take it. So I then jumped it and it fired right up. I just started to mow, flipped the lever forward, pushed the reverse button, then it died. Of course it wouldn't start again, so I jumped it again. Then, I drove it forward only with mower engaged, and then it tried to die again when backing up (with reverse button pushed). I flipped the disengage lever forward and push the hydrodrive forward and it recovered. I could back up, without blades engaged. I then let it "warm up" before I tried backing up again and finally it seemed OK. Until I got to return it to my garage - then it died right in front of the door. Well the battery didn't charge while I was running it, so I thought it was a shorted battery. I bought a new battery today, installed it - and now it will not fire at all. It cranks great - no fire. I checked fuel and even the fuel shutoff and filter. All had gas. I just can't get it to fire. I even poured a little gas down the air filter (like the old Briggs/stratton) and nothing.
It usually starts quickly with choke and med. idle, but nothing now.
It seems as if there is a short somewhere, but I know nothing about these Kubotas.
ANY HELP???

 

[Ob1kubota]

Number one don't panic...read your owners manual to see if you are satisfing all the safety interlocks. Assuming you have the battery connected correctly, cut to the chase...get an ignition spark analyzer ( Spark Check 50.00) install the pick up on the spark plug high tension lead close to the plug boot. Set in the seat with the park brake set ( don't hold it set it with the detent) make sure the PTO lever is all the way back and have a friend hold the spark analyzer and witness high voltage to the plug. Most light up at the same rate of cranking RPM and this is an indication of fuses, module, and wiring is okay and functioning as designed. If you have fire at the plug and still no start, back the spark plug out of the head counterclockwise and look at the conditon of the tip and the gap. If all the above is okay you do have a fuel problem. Try the above and get back. Your ignition analyzer outlay will quickly pay for itself because it can be used on all high voltage igntion systems.

 

[hofilbert]

Well, I checked the fuses and the 3 amp fuse in behind the steering wheel is blown. I replaced it and it blew again. I talked with Kubota in TX and they said there is a short in the wiring somewhere. My Kubota dealer said there was a short in the charging system. Who knows. Anyway, I guess I'll take it in and see how much I get hosed.

 

[Ob1kubota]

Well, I checked the fuses and the 3 amp fuse in behind the steering wheel is blown. I replaced it and it blew again. I talked with Kubota in TX and they said there is a short in the wiring somewhere. My Kubota dealer said there was a short in the charging system. Who knows. Anyway, I guess I'll take it in and see how much I get hosed.

Okay one last suggestion before you get hosed.... disconnect the negative battery terminal and isolate the negative pole from accidental connection during testing. Make a bare jumper wire and run it into the blown fuse holder. Put your black lead to a good frame ground on the tractor frame the other red lead on the bare wire stuffed into both pronges of the fuse holder and do what is called a pull and wiggle test to find the wire that's grounded to frame. As you pull and wiggle on the wiring harness look and listen to your meter for any change in resistance. I would disconnect the fuel shut off solenoid just for a quick check and look at any change. If you see a change in resistance on your meter its a suspect until proven innocent with the terminal lead to ground check. If the outside housing to insulated lead shows continunity on your meter, I would suspect its bad. Coil is internally shorted to housing ground. Its in the three AMP Ign circuit,a red wire with yellow tracer. Try this, its a great feeling to fix it yourself and you will learn a lot in the chase...

 

[hofilbert]

Well, I took it to the dealer and it turns out to be the fuel shut off solenoid. The part was $63 and labor was $37. Not too bad except for hauling it in.

 

[Ob1kubota]

Good see you didn't get hosed after all long live Kubota....