'87 JD 318 PTO kills engine

Jawbone69 · Mar 31, 2017

Hello to all on here,I live in oskaloosa,ia. And recently became a antique J D garden tractor enthusiast/ collector but more part changing skills than mechanical. My 318 with a onan 20 performer started a problem of not charging all the time and when you turn the PTO switch on immediately kills the engine like ya turned the key off. Anyone else experience or know the cure for this problem? Thanks

Ken Combs · Mar 31, 2017

The safety switch that kills the engine ignition when the pto is on and nobody in the seat is probably at fault. Just to test, you can jumper around the switch.

As to the charging issue, first clean all the connections at the regulator, battery and switch. If it charges part of the time, the battery, regulator, flywheel magnets and stator are most likely good.

Jawbone69 · Mar 31, 2017

.

Thank you very much Ken, I'll check these things out when I get back up home from Arizona. Not vacationing just a trucker.

RayP(MI) · Mar 31, 2017

Had a similar issue with a Woods zero turn with a Kubota 22 hp diesel. Has a alternator the size of a softball. Battery is same as one on my car. Would have thought that was sufficient Turns out battery was weak, and couldn't withstand the starting current of the electromagnetic clutch. Take your battery in for evaluation before you start tearing stuff apart. Do a good check of all belts, pulleys and bearings on your deck.

Jawbone69 · Mar 31, 2017

Thanks Ray I think my battery is fine but it's best to cover all bases I have heard low voltage can create problems for PTO operation.

Bob · Apr 1, 2017

(quoted from post at 12:47:28 03/31/17) Hello to all on here,I live in oskaloosa,ia. And recently became a antique J D garden tractor enthusiast/ collector but more part changing skills than mechanical. My 318 with a onan 20 performer started a problem of not charging all the time and when you turn the PTO switch on immediately kills the engine like ya turned the key off. Anyone else experience or know the cure for this problem? Thanks

If you care to email, I'll send you a free link to a shop manual with complete troubleshooting details.

[email protected]

steve_in_mo · Apr 1, 2017

Disabling safety equipment is kind of bad form, unless it is limited to testing.
For clarity, the PTO switch is a double switch. One side turns on the PTO coil
and the other side energizes the circuit to the seat safety switch. Both switches
must be wired properly and working properly to run the deck without killing the engine.

Jawbone69 · Apr 1, 2017

(reply to post at 15:47:14 04/01/17)

Ken Combs · Apr 2, 2017

You noticed that was prefaced by 'just to test', right?

Jawbone69 · Apr 2, 2017

Right

steve_in_mo · Apr 3, 2017

Yes, I hope people listened to your good advice.

'87 JD 318 PTO kills engine

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