Cub Cadet 782D starting issues
 

Hello all. I read a couple of the posts about upgrading starters but I did have a quick question. My uncle has a 782d with a snowblower attachment. The key switch stopped working last year and he has been starting it with a screwdriver. He is up in age and is pretty good at coming up with interesting solutions to problems, but his wits aren't what they used to be.

I am mechanically inclined to a point but am no means an expert in this sort of thing. I saw the way he was starting it with a screwdriver and figured there has to be a better way. We replaced the key switch which did absolutely nothing to fix the problem

I figured it might be possible to rig an additional 60 amp starter switch with one wire to the battery with a 30 amp fuse in the line, and the other wire on the solenoid. It works pretty slick but the fuse blows pretty easily. I tried without the fuse and it burnt up the first switch we put in. Anyone have any ideas on what we should try? It works ok right now, but we need to start at square one and figure out the root cause of the original problem. Also, is there any risk in the current jury rigged set up we have? He seems to think it will be ok, but I would like to try and get this done right. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Well.... given the fact that your uncle seemed ok with starting it with a screwdriver and didn't have any "safety" concerns with that, I'm not sure I trust his obviously impaired judgement of what is and what is not safe or even "kosher".

If you are burning up a switch that you added I'm wondering if you even attached it correctly. If you replaced the ignition switch and it didn't fix the issue.... that obviously wasn't the issue.

If you want to fix it correctly, you will need to do some testing. Do you own a DVOM and a test light and know how to use them? That would be a good place to start. Your issue, could be one of about 10 problems. I'd start with why won't it crank with the key switch.

You can find the chassis service manual for your machine here:
It also includes wiring diagrams.
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=13226

Thanks for the info. I will start with the manual. I was trying to follow the wiring diagram to see if there are any fuses or safeties that might be causing the issue.

First, welcome to OCC. :Welcome2:

In looking at the 782D Wiring Diagram, this has to happen before the engine will roll over.

* The Circuit Breaker has to be engaged (not open).
* The PTO Switch has to be in the "Off" position.
* The Brake Pedal (Neutral) Switch has to be depressed.
* Starter Solenoid has to be functional.
* All wiring in this circuit has to be in good and functional condition.

All of these switches, components, and circuits have to be satisfied before the starter solenoid engages to roll the engine over.

This circuit can be traced down if you have a VOM or DVM meter.

Check the above the best you can and advise.

Thank you!! That sounds like a great place to start. I'll see what I can find out starting with the circuit breaker. I am on my phone right now so it's tough to look at the diagrams but when I get to my computer tonight I'll compare it to what we have looked at already and see if I can make more sense out of it. I really appreciate your help!

There are simple procedures one can do without a Test Meter. If and when the time comes, I can walk you through it.

On the 782Ds, grounds were a problem. With the 782D I had, the negative battery cable went from the battery to the air cleaner bracket, then another ground cable was run from the air cleaner bracket to the engine block (as it came from the factory). The problem with that, not only did more connections increase the resistance in the ground path, but IIRC correctly the air cleaner bracket is bolted to the end plate by the flywheel a rubber isomount pad isolating and insulating the two parts. The 2 bolts don't always make a great connection. I remember my dealer showing me a 782D he was starting up and he just happened to see the throttle cable and fuel shut-off cables glowing red while cranking (not on my 782D however). I ended up putting a battery ground cable on my 782D right from the battery to the engine right where the lifting eye by the water pump is.