SA Starting Problem

Anonymous-0 · Jun 26, 2011

One week ago I started my '49SA using the battery. When I shut it off, I had to manipulate the ignition switch several times to get it to kill the engine. Today, I tried to start it and the battery was dead. No rides for the grandkids.

I need to get this thing fixed this week to ride the entire family in the July 4th parade. Anybody got any ideas how to start trouble shooting the problem?

If Bob M is on line, do you have a schematic that might help me figure out what the problem is?

Thanks for any help offerred>

old · Jun 26, 2011

First off charge the battery. Then if it has a starter button that is not part of the ignition switch run a hot wire from the battery to the coil. Be sure you hook it to the ignition side of the coil. Try to start it. If it runs then you know the ignition switch is bad and it is as simple as replacing the switch with a new on and just unwire it one wire at a time and hook each wire one at a time to the new switch

gene bender · Jun 26, 2011

Pretty plain you gave a bad sw.

Bob M · Jun 26, 2011

Doug - Does your SA have the original 6 volt (generator) charging system or a 12 volt alternator conversion? Also does it have magneto or battery (coil and distributor) ignition?

If 6 volt and battery ignition I agree with the others - it's likely a bad ign switch. However with a magneto and/or 12 volt alternator the problem may be more complex.

Post back what you've got and we'll work from there.

Bob M

Anonymous-0 · Jun 26, 2011

It is a 6V positive ground system with a magneto.

Bob M · Jun 26, 2011

Doug -

The no shutdown problem is a bad kill switch ("ignition" switch). Either the switch itself is bad, or the box it's mounted in is not grounded to the tractor frame. (Keep in mind the kill switch works by grounding the magneto primary when turned off so the mag won't send fire to the plugs.)

----

The dead battery can have several causes:

1 - Battery is worn out and will longer hold a charge.

2 - Charging system has problems and is not charging the battery when the engine is running.

3 - The cutout (or the cutout relay inside voltage regulator if so equipped) has stuck in the closed position causing the battery to discharge when the engine is stopped.

To figure out which it is, watch the ammeter:

If it shows charge when running and 0 when stopped, you need a new battery.

If it shows 0 at all times (running and stopped) either the generator or cutout has failed.

If it shows charge when running but then discharge when shut down, problem's a stuck cutout/voltage regulator relay.

Hope this helps...

Pat-CT · Jun 26, 2011

Couple things come to mind. A bad voltage regulator, or a worn out battery. If you have an amp meter handy, take it and hook it up IN LINE to the battery. Take the negative ground cable off and put one post on the battery and one on the battery strap. Tell us what you see for amperage, It should be VERY minimal if not 0. Also, clean your battery you would be surprised how that can drain the battery and drop voltage.

SA Starting Problem

Anonymous-0

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old

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gene bender

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Bob M

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Anonymous-0

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Bob M

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Pat-CT

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