Dead Right There

[Coelacanth64]

Folks,
I have a model 1440 garden tractor that was my father’s. Up until last week there was never an issue. Still started first crank, never used a drop of oil. Just basic maintenance.
We have a newer LTX 1046VT now for the main mower, but the old Cub still works great for a backup. And, I have the blower attachment for winter snow removal.
Well, last week my wife was using the 1440 because the newer mower had a flat being fixed. Suddenly it started blowing the main fuse. It would mow for a while, then the PTO would shut off, then the mower died. I had spare 20amp fuses. So, she eventually got the job done.
But, I opened it up to look for a short. I found wires that has some insulation rubbed off. So, I wrapped them and took it for a spin. I only mowed for about 20 minutes, but no issues.
Well, I was using it again yesterday. I had mowed one area for about 40 minutes. All was fine. Then I switched locations. I was about 10 minutes into it when the PTO quit and the the engine shut down. I tried the key and it started right back up. Turned on the PTO. Ok, so far. Started mowing again, but in about another minute everything shut down again. Waited a minute. Turned the key and it started back up. Not wanting to be stranded it drove it back to the garage, a distance of about 200 yards. Made it, no problem.

Anybody have a clue what might be causing this? I love this old tank.

Best,
Jack

 

[bertsmobile1]

That is exactly what happens when the alternator is not working and you are running on battery alone.
Check the battery voltage engine off then again engine on
At full speed the battery should read about 14V

It would help greatly if you told us which engine you have in it.
Kohlers for instance use a flat strap to make a ground contact between the rectifier & the mower.
It is prone to breaking so there is no ground thus not recharging.

 

[Coelacanth64]

I have examined the wiring and have found nothing, loose, broken or frayed.

 

[bertsmobile1]

Check the battery voltage engine off then again engine on
At full speed the battery should read about 14V

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[Coelacanth64]

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Will do. Hopefully today.

Thanks,
Jack

O.K., attempted check at full throttle this morning. I also wanted to check the voltage with the PTO engaged. Battery voltage at rest was 12.5v.
Choked and started mower. It ran for about 5 seconds and quit.
Repeated attempts had the same result.

So, now it not only will not mow for anything length of time without shutting down.
Now, it will not run at all.

But, it isn’t blowing the main fuse any more.

 

[Rivets]

As Bert requested, we need to know battery voltage when the engine is off and again with the engine at full throttle. It would also help us if you would post both the model and serial numbers for both the engine and tractor.

 

[bertsmobile1]

pop the battery on a charger overnight and try again in the morning

 

[Coelacanth64]

Ok, tried the mower just now.
Battery before attempt, 12.5v.
Turned key, mower started right up, ran for about 3 seconds and quit.
Repeated same 3 times.

So, in order of appearance:
First incident, PTO quit, mower blew fuse and quit. Replaced fuse, drove back to garage.
Next time, PTO quit, mower quit, fuse ok. Started mower after a few seconds, drove back to garage without issue.
Now, mower will start, but not run.

Alternator, or regulator?

*Looks like editing the post may have deleted my earlier entry.
The mower is a 1440, serial number 000829137.
The engine info is as per the attached photo.

 

[Coelacanth64]

Issue was a bad alternator.
Just an FYI.

 

[bertsmobile1]

Thanks
Bad alternator or bad rectifier ?
See why we wanted those volltages now.
You will need to do a speed reading course for your voltmeter :laughing: