G1800 Nightmare?

bozzchem · May 19, 2017

The ignition switch no longer works. I have to jump the starter to the battery to get the G1800 to start.

THEN, there is the issue of fuel gauge and temperature gauges. They seem to work once the unit is started but sometimes they don't.

I just want a G1800 that works!

I've traced the wires and there are no reasons for what is happening.

I could take my G1800 to a Kubota dealer. I'm sure that will be pricey.

My ignition switch has been relegated as useless. The only way I can start the G1800 is using a bypass wire.

Sometimes the dash gauges (Temp/Fuel) work and more often they don't.

What are my options before I bring this thing to a Kubota dealer?

CalG · May 19, 2017

You could replace the starter switch. (Since the engine is a diesel, there is no "ignition switch").

All your issues might be in that one defective piece. Sometimes when the internal plastic bits crumble, several of the contacts inside get compromised.

A new switch should cost less than $60. (I don't really know ) . If the switch doesn't fix things, at least the dealer won't try to sell you another one when you take the tractor in for repair.

bigoredneck · Aug 4, 2017

I just picked up a G1800 that was in pretty rough shape. The keyed switch would only kick over the starter 1 in 5 tries. Rather than replacing the keyed switch (ignition switch) for $60 or so, I cut the pig tail off of the switch and wired it up to a toggle switch for off/on, and then wired up a push button momentary switch to engage the starter. The momentary switch was mounted where the old ignition switch was, and I drilled a 1/2" hole in the dash next to the momentary switch for the toggle switch. This setup works great. One note my engine kill solenoid was already disabled so I kill the engine with a push pull choke type cable to the fuel shutoff valve. I've still got more work to do on this diamond in the rough, but this modification made starting the machine bullet proof.

David_Kb7uns · Aug 4, 2017

If you want a G1800 that works then quit doing a crappy repair and get the right key switch in there.

David

Kubota3710 · Aug 14, 2017

Recommend you search here about G1800 electrical problems. I have a G1800, and have had my share of electrical issues. I have had bad starter, and a bad voltage regulator killed battery and probably helped kill the dynamo. And I have had to clean the posts on the ignition switch, and was burning up the fusible link. And you will discover that the key switch has to have voltage coming out of one of the terminals to get the voltage regulator to work. And you will find that when you turn the key you will find that voltage to the starter comes from the combination box, and if it is too low, your starter doesn't work. And dirty contracts are notorious for causing issues on the G1800. (Wiring up the starter button is the way some folks get around low voltage from the combination box issue) So my experience is I have had to troubleshoot with a meter and electrical diagram to find the two different problems I have had. It is a great mower, but you will find the need to address electrical issues once in a while. Do a search here for "G1800". One of the posts includes the wiring diagram. Having the service manual really helps, but you may not have that. You can probably solve the issue if you read what others have did on the other G1800 posts.