Cub Cadet 104 Electrical Problem
 

My 104 has an electrical problem and I am not too good at diagnosing and fixing electrical problems. As I hook up the battery, with the ignition switch in the off position, the terminal sparks--indicative of a draw on the battery. I have already replaced the points, ignition switch and solenoid. I believe it to be either the S/G or the regulator or coil. Since my time is very limited, I thought I might ask experts about what I should check first...second...and so on, so that I might remedy this problem as quickly as possible. I have extra parts for all of these and I was thinking the order to proceed is:

1st-regulator
2nd-S/G
3rd-coil (not even for sure if the coil would cause a draw like this on the battery---please advise!)

Well, what about this line up?....Is there something else that I should consider?

Thanks in advance for your consideration of my problem,

Cub Cadet 123

I think your on the right track with order of diagnosis. You could probably start with the SG, but if the spark goes away, it could still be the VR. One way or another, unless you want to just swap parts and try them, you will probably have to test at least some of the components.

First off, I don't consider myself an expert, just someone who has been there and done that A LOT of times.

With the key in the "off" position there should be no power going to the coil or points and none going to the S/G.

IIRC, even with the key off there will be power going to the Solenoid then to the Amp gauge then to the "B" terminal on the V/R and to the ign. switch ("B" terminal there too).

THIS IS ONE OF THE TIMES WHEN I WOULD RECOMEND A VOLT METER OVER A TEST LIGHT, even though a test light would probably work also.

I would check for power where there should be none, first.

Keep in mind that, all ignition switches are not the same, even though the terminals are in the same pattern.

Good luck.

The likelihood exists, it is not a component.....but rather a shorted (or partially) shorted wire, somewhere in your harness.

Sam is right, a good VOM or DVM is going to be needed to check this out.

Thank you fellas. It is raining now so I will try to remedy the problem when the weather breaks. I know I can always depend on the great advice of others in the forum, so I might be asking more questions later on.....Thanks for your assistance. Electrical problems have always been my shortfall, so wish me luck!

Cub Cadet 123

Good luck! :beerchug: