Cub Cadet Slow Cranking

AyatinGL

New User
Good morning.

I recently purchased a Cub Cadet 1650 with the stock Kohler 341. The problem was that the engine was cranking very slowly. After Googling the problem, I read that the problem could be with the ground. So, to test it - I used a jumper cable and connected one end to the negative of the battery and the other end to one of the mounting bolts of the starter / alternator - voila! It began to crank just fine.

The same person who posted that the problem could be with the ground said to run a wire from one of the mounting bolts of the starter to the frame. My question to you is - what is the best way to do that - so use an existing bolt on the frame or drill a hole for a new one? Also, what size / type of a cable?

Thanks for your time!
 
I use a piece of battery cable the same size as the rest of the system and go from the starter to the same bolt that the ground cable from the battery is hooked to. This gives you a direct route back to the battery.
 
Also you can very carefully clean the metal just a tiny bit where the cable hooks and use what is called a STAR washer. You can pick them up at most auto places like a NAPA store. They have very aggressive little teeth all of the way around the outside and make one heck of a good connection! Most likely your ground cable is bad. Go buy a new one and make sure it is just as heavy and the clamp is the correct size. They get corrosion inside sometimes.
a220837.jpg
 
I have a 682 CC that always cranked slow and would make a half turn, pause and then do it again. I finally took the starter apart after pulling the engine to do it. I found one of the brush copper leads was broken and as a result it was only cranking half power.
 
Cleaning up the inside of a 40-year old starter costs nothing, takes 30 minutes. Those old Kohler starters are amazing. Most don't need bushings.
 
Jeffcat is the only one who I think it on the right track. If an extra ground makes a difference, you want to have all the ground connections clean and tight. Also, check your battery cables themselves. If the ends of the wire where it goes in the terminal lugs is green, it has a high resistance there too. When in doubt, replace it.

It is your call whether to make new ground connection to the frame. The main thing is you want your connections clean or rust dirt or grease and tight. If it was me, I would run a new ground all the way back to the battery negative post. It doesn't hurt to have an extra ground connection directly on the battery. If that is not your cup or tea, run your ground to wherever your ground fastens at now, but be sure to clean all the rust, dirt,etc. off the frame, old cable, and bolt, if re-used before tightening it.
 
Don't need an extra ground! Just get everything clean and tight like it was assembled new and yes replace broken wires. Duh.
 
IA Roy - even after replacing the battery to frame ground wire with 4 gauge, when I turn the key my 1650 still pauses for one or two seconds before cranking. Is that a ground problem or would that be the starter? Who knows - maybe my starter is going - and the replaced ground improved the starter's performance - although maybe the whole time it's been only running at half performance if one of the brushes, or internal parts, is bad?
 
IA Roy - if I want to take the starter apart to inspect it, can I just unbolt it and take it out - or is additional disassembly required?
 
On my 682 it has the KT17 twin. The starter is down tucked between the frame tub and the flywheel cooling shroud. On the K341 the starter is higher up and accessible, or was on my Allis Chalmers that had one.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top