Diode from PTO on LT2180
 

First, does my "04" LT-2180 fit ok in this forum? Its kinda new, not a classic Cub Cadet so I thought I ought to ask that first.

Today I had the side panel off to replace my fuel filter. I noticed a wire lead hanging loose with a big diode in it. It is on the red lead of the PTO clutch which is the "hot" from the Key switch and is common to the Alternator, PTO, fuel solenoid, and who knows what else. It even has a quick disconnect on it! My schematic shows a diode going from the above mentioned items to the red lead on the starter. Ive never had the stater off so It don't know why it would go there. Any Ideas? Anyone out there have a mower like mine that they could look and see?:bigthink:

I just noticed a threaded lug on the back of the starter. It is a ground lug. This diode is reverse biased, so could it be to allow the kick back current from the PTO to have an escape path?

navyjoe,
It is my understanding that diodes work as check valves. They only allow current to flow in one direction. A not so common diode, mostly used in older British electrical systems, is a zenner diode. It regulates current. I hope this helps.

They used to have zener diodes in old TV's too. When I was a kid, I had pals that worked on those things. A zener will allow the voltage to reverse direction when it goes above a certain value.

Joe can you post a pic of the wire? i have a LT2180 that I could check for you. Just need to see what I'm looking for.

AJ

Thanks AJ, here it is. It on the engine right side "passenger side". The diode is on the left, it is the black object out of focus. It attaches to a red wire that goes to a blact connector for the PTO that has a yellow sleeve on it. If this picture isn't clear enough I'll take one with some white paper behind it.

Joe

On my 2180, that wire connect directly to the positive lug on the starter along with the battery cable. Look under the red boot on your starter and you should see the terminal where the wire was attached.

AJ

Thanks! I must admin that is where the wiring diagrams shows it, but since I've never had the cable off I was a little skeptical. I will reconnect it. Thanks again.

Joe

You're welcome. Glad to help.

AJ