1641 starting issues / AMP light

Fishengineer · #1 07-21-2013, 01:38 PM

First, I have searched the sight and have fixed MANY problems in the past. Thanks to all those that have made that possible!

My 1641 starts fine when I first start it up to cut the grass. When I take a 15 minute break the thing will not start back up for at least an hour. It only turns over and over and over. Not starting until it cools down?!?!? Any suggestions on what is causing this?

Also, I noticed that the AMP light came on (started flickering on) when I turned the PTO on to cut the grass. It got dark and I turned the lights on and the motor bogged down and the AMP light was much brighter. My plan of action is to take a look at the voltage regulator (once I find it) and then see how much power is going to the regulator to see if the issue is the alternator. Any other suggestions? Oh yeah, 12.4 volts with the PTO off and with it on at the battery so it doesn't seem that the PTO is shorting out. Thanks, Fishengineer

J-Mech · #2 07-21-2013, 01:55 PM

It sounds as though the charging system is not putting out enough. With the motor on, at high idle, PTO and lights off, it should put out 13.5-1.5 V. You can check the output of the stator, but remember, it puts out A.C. voltage.

As far as the starting problem, since it cranks good, I'd say that is a separate issue. Does it ever die? Or just won't restart after running?

Fishengineer · #3 07-21-2013, 02:54 PM

Yes, it has died while under normal load while cutting grass (2X's in the last two months). I checked fuel flow out of the filter and it was good. Also had gas on the spark plugs. For some reason it seems as though it just does not want to fire.

33 V A/C coming into the voltage regulator? right? Thought I read this somewhere.

Also, I do not remember seeing the voltage regulator. I assume it is attached to the top of the engine?

Thank for the guidance.

J-Mech · #4 07-21-2013, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishengineer

33 V A/C coming into the voltage regulator? right? Thought I read this somewhere.

Also, I do not remember seeing the voltage regulator. I assume it is attached to the top of the engine?

Thank for the guidance.

Yes, 33V A.C. is correct. I'm not sure where the V-regulator is exactly. I think it is on the shrouding of the motor up top, but not sure.

Try disconnecting the wire that runs to the magneto when it won't start. If it starts and runs: 1.) you will have to plug it back in to kill it. 2.)That will tell you if you are having a problem with the safety circuits/ kill wire circuit.

If it still doesn't start, pull a plug and check for spark with the wire still unplugged. No spark=failing magneto.

cubs-n-bxrs · #5 07-21-2013, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishengineer

Yes, it has died while under normal load while cutting grass (2X's in the last two months). I checked fuel flow out of the filter and it was good. Also had gas on the spark plugs. For some reason it seems as though it just does not want to fire.

33 V A/C coming into the voltage regulator? right? Thought I read this somewhere.

Also, I do not remember seeing the voltage regulator. I assume it is attached to the top of the engine?

Thank for the guidance.

The VR/Rectifier is located on the left side of the engine as you are sitting on the tractor. It is mounted on the sheet metal under the jugg. It is about a 2"x3" aluminum box with 3 wires coming out of it. 2 of the wires go into the flywheel area and the other on is the charge circuit. It is a solid state unit.

Sam Mac · #6 07-21-2013, 05:29 PM

Kelly you beat me to it, LOL. For what it's worth I have seen a lot of Vanguard powered Cubs that have the flickering AMP light when you flip the PTO on. Not sure why. I hate lights and on most of my stuff I replace them with gages. Anyway here is a pic of the VR on a Vanguard.

cubs-n-bxrs · #7 07-21-2013, 07:58 PM

For what it's worth a solid state voltage reg/rectifier from a Kohler AQS engine will work in place of that overpriced unit from Briggs. Mine smoked on my Vanguard and I had a 3 terminal solid state unit from an AQS engine so I thought I would give it a try. My amp light flickers on and off but I have checked the battery with a VOM and it's charging at an acceptable rate. Been on there 3 years with no problems. I just ignore the flickering light

Fishengineer · #8 07-23-2013, 10:26 AM

OK looking at the pic. I am checking the wires that are disconnected?
I have done this and the only thing I am getting it the meter going in the backward direction.
image.jpg

Fishengineer · #9 07-24-2013, 11:38 AM

OK after finding that my multi meter wasn't working properly I gave up and put everything back together to work on it another day..... Well, I cranked it up after getting everything back together and started cutting the grass. No AMP light, and the mower cut my 1.6 acres without missing a beat! Maybe all I had was some dirty connections!

Thanks for all the help and if I have the same problem surface I'll know what to do!

ACecil · #10 07-24-2013, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishengineer

OK after finding that my multi meter wasn't working properly I gave up and put everything back together to work on it another day..... Well, I cranked it up after getting everything back together and started cutting the grass. No AMP light, and the mower cut my 1.6 acres without missing a beat! Maybe all I had was some dirty connections!

Thanks for all the help and if I have the same problem surface I'll know what to do!

Glad your cub is working now!