Just got a 18/42 hydro Powr Kraft from 1994 (MTD, perhaps a 690 series). I feel that it cranks a bit weak. It does start in 2-3 secs, but my previous motor had a much livelier crank. The battery is reading 12.4v sitting in the tractor and I fully charged it yesterday. Is 12.4v good enough? I have heard that the battery wiring needs to be upsized on these, it is pretty substantial, but it is a gage or two smaller than my previous motor. Can this be it?
#2
scott47429
it could be alot of different things just cause the battery says 12.4 volts don't mean its good also it could be a starter dragging on you or wires to small or even dirty connections have the battery load tested first thats where i would start
Battery cables should be size 6 gage or larger. To save money, i am seeing to many 8 gage, which is causing a lot of electrical problems. A better test to see if the battery is good is to take a voltage reading while cranking the engine over. If it drops below 10.5V while cranking your battery does not have enough power to do the job. Recharge the battery, to make sure it is fully charged, and repeat the test. If it drops down again replace the battery. If you need a new battery, make sure it is rated 350 CCA or larger.
