SLT1554 Starting Problems

JEFF1554 · Aug 24, 2005

Hello everyone.
I purchased a used SLT 1554 (2 hours on clock) in June. I picked it up at Lowe's discounted 40% from the new price. They said the clutch had to be "reseated" and it was now just as good as new. The down side was that they only included a 30 day warranty which I must admit I didn't really think enough about that at the time.
Now let me just say, this is a great tractor. However, I have had one problem that is starting to concern me. Twice now, it won't start. I turn the key and get nothing. Not even a click. Both times I have made sure I was doing everything right. (PTO off, brake on etc..) I lifted the hood and pretended to know what to look for etc. Then after a while (after multiple attempts) it just decides to start. It cranks strong (like it's not a battery problem) and starts right away.

Can anyone give me some insight on this problem?

One more thing you should know. The seat as you know has the safety mechanism to cut off the engine when you leave the seat. After using the tractor for the first time, I spread apart the two contacts so they can't ever touch each other or anything else. (it thinks you are always in the seat.) I can't imagine this could be related but if it is please let me know.

Thanks to everyone who can offer me any help.

cyberkrazze · Aug 24, 2005

Make sure the two wires you took off the seat are taped up well. If they touch anywhere and ground, it will not start. Sounds like a loose connection somewhere. I would start at the battery, because some models have plastic wingnuts holding the battery connections to the terminals. These usually don't stay tight very long. Replace them with bolts and nuts instead. If these two things are not your problem, let me know.

JEFF1554 · Aug 24, 2005

Well, First thing I did when I got home tonight was try to start it. Nope! I got nothing!. Wouldn't start. No cranking, not even a click. I double checked the seat wires and they appeared to be ok. Started at the battery (which does have bolts and nuts - thanks for the tip) and checked all the wires I could see or feel. Everything was tight. I pulled a fuse that I came across and it looked good. Closed it up and tried to start it again..... it turned right over and started right away. I have never seen anything like this!!
I did notice in my wire hunt.. I couldn't find a ground wire grounding the engine to the frame. I thought that was kind of odd. Shouldn't there be one?

I appreciate the suggestions so far. Happen to have any more ideas?
There has got to be an explanation for this, I am just at a loss for any more ideas.
I might try throwing in a new battery just to be sure that is not it. (I can only hope it is though)

Please let me know If anyone has anymore ideas.

Bob_Bainbridge · Aug 24, 2005

One more thing to check is the brake switch. You usually have to depress the brake pedal before the starter will engage and sometimes the switch adjustment is off a little. Try moving the pedal up and down slowly while turning the key to see if there is a spot where it engages.

Bob B.

JEFF1554 · Aug 26, 2005

That is a good suggestion. It started fine every time the last couple tries, so I haven't been able to try it yet. I will let you know if it works.

Thanks again everyone for your ideas.

If you have anymore.. keep 'em coming. Thanks

JEFF1554 · Aug 26, 2005

One more thing. The gas in the tank is a month and a half old. A co-worker told me to dump it and put in fresh. He swears this will fix the problem.

Any thoughts on that?

Thanks

Bob_Bainbridge · Aug 26, 2005

( One more thing. The gas in the tank is a month and a half old. A co-worker told me to dump it and put in fresh. He swears this will fix the problem.

Any thoughts on that?

Thanks )
Looking at the price of gas in my area, I don't think I'll be throwing any 1-1/2 month old gas out. My mowers sit all winter in the barn with full tanks of gas and start right up in the spring. Also, my motor home, which has an 80 gallon tank, sits for long periods if I don't take any long trips. I think the gas in it right now was put in last October. I fill it before winter so it doesn't collect any moisture in the fuel.

Bob B.

Rhoderman · Aug 28, 2005

( One more thing. The gas in the tank is a month and a half old. A co-worker told me to dump it and put in fresh. He swears this will fix the problem.

Any thoughts on that?

Thanks )

Your friend obviously missed the part where you said it wouldn't crank. New gas won't do crap for that!

Sounds like a faulty switch somewhere. Ask your dealer for a wiring diagram - mine gave me one! From there, try to decide how to defeat the switches one at a time until you've located the bad one. A 12V test light would come in handy.

Hope you find it soon!

JEFF1554 · Aug 29, 2005

Now that I have a few good ideas to check out with this problem... it starts every time. I used it all weekend for various Jobs around my lot (mowing, hauling stone with the cart, racing my neighbors son on his new fourwheeler... yeah he won) Anyway back to the point.. it started every time with no trouble at all. So if I ever get to try any of these solutions i will let you know what worked.

Thanks to all for all the advise!