Scotts S2554 by John Deere Blowing Fuse on Start

[etruchan]

I have recently inherited an S2554 by John Deere. I am currently blowing fuses when I turn the key to start. The starter engages the flywheel and pop. The flywheel does spin freely by hand or by turning the bolt clockwise. I have tested the ignition switch and it is good. I have removed and benched tested the starter to see if it generally works and it did. However, could there be issues with it that could cause it to blow a fuse? What test(s) should I perform to figure that out?

Tractor Model: S2554
Tractor Ser: M02551S012824
Motor: Kohler Comman 25Hp
Motor Model: CV23S
Motor Serial:3629305151

 

[beenthere]

To test and find where the short is, make a jumper to insert in the fuse holder that has a 12v bulb.
Plug that in and the bulb will light.. until the short is found. Can poke, remove, and pull on different wires and connections to attempt to get the light to go off.

Saves replacing fuses just to learn that the short has not been found.

 

[Richard001]

To test and find where the short is, make a jumper to insert in the fuse holder that has a 12v bulb.
Plug that in and the bulb will light.. until the short is found. Can poke, remove, and pull on different wires and connections to attempt to get the light to go off.

Saves replacing fuses just to learn that the short has not been found.

Great idea Been.

Richard

 

[etruchan]

To test and find where the short is, make a jumper to insert in the fuse holder that has a 12v bulb.
Plug that in and the bulb will light.. until the short is found. Can poke, remove, and pull on different wires and connections to attempt to get the light to go off.

Saves replacing fuses just to learn that the short has not been found.

Thanks this idea could have saved me a lot of fuses. Does the bulb blow or just go out/flicker? Here is what I have discovered. The fuse only blows when the starter engages the flywheel. I pulled the signal wire that attaches to the solenoid on starter to trigger a start scenario. If I turn the key to start with this out nothing happens and the fuse remains in tact. Reattach the wire and the starter fires up, engages flywheel and pops the fuse.

What could be causing this?

• Engine Block not properly grounded? This seems unlikely as the starter is grounded with block and fires up.
• Stator/Magnets under flywheel are compromised? would need to pull flywheel to check I assume.
• The solenoid on the starter is internally compromised? Are there tests to confirm/deny this?

 

[beenthere]

Does the bulb blow or just go out/flicker?

The bulb goes out when the short is not present.
The bulb acts as the fuse and is lit as long as there remains a short.

I first used this trick in a car that had a wire rub bare above the headliner in a Chev Citation years ago. Frustrating to keep replacing fuses and having no clue where that short was happening. Poked and pulled wires, disconnecting some but found when pushing on the headliner that the "light" in the fuse slot went out.. think it would have been expensive if taken back to the dealer again as they couldn't find the short under warranty.

 

[tomplum]

My suspicion when I have one of these is that the magnets inside the flywheel may have come loose and damaged the stator underneath. The two outer wires on the voltage regulator go to the stator and may test shorted to ground or will when the flywheel moves. You could pull the connector off the regulator and try the test again.

 

[etruchan]

My suspicion when I have one of these is that the magnets inside the flywheel may have come loose and damaged the stator underneath. The two outer wires on the voltage regulator go to the stator and may test shorted to ground or will when the flywheel moves. You could pull the connector off the regulator and try the test again.

I will try this. Sounds like a solid test. I will combine with beenthere's suggestion. Let me be sure i understand the implications. I disconnect the regulator from the stator and turn the starter over . If the fuse does not blow, this indicates that the charging system is compromised. If no, keep looking. Can the tractor run with the regulator disconnected but just not charge the battery?

The bulb acts as the fuse and is lit as long as there remains a short.

Do you have a reference anywhere for what this might look like or how to connect? I believe i have everything needed top make it.

 

[tomplum]

Yes on # 1. On number two any 12V bulb and socket you have laying around and two wires with some spade ends are perfect. They can be a bulb with two wires taped on if done carefully enough or a circuit tester light.

 

[beenthere]

A pic of one of mine...

Solder wires to a blown fuse..

 

[etruchan]

A pic of one of mine...

Solder wires to a blown fuse..

That is super sweet and simple. I will create this then. Thank You.