"Scrappy" MTD 18/46 14 Speed Grass Cutter

I'd be happy to write up some intsructions to help you but it will take me a while so I'll have to do it after work but here's some things to keep in mind and a list of what you'll need.

- Not all keys are "wired" the same which brings me to my next point...
- you'll want a multimeter and know how to use it. I prefer ones with an audible continuity tester for ease of use.
- make sure you have some spare wiring kicking around, you can probably use wiring from the interlocks as you'll want to bypass most of if not all of them anyhow.
- soldering and heatshrinking wires is best but if you're not able you'll want some butt connectors on hand or at the very least small wire nuts (marrett caps) and some electrical tape to tape up the joints.
- look to see of your carburetor has the anti-backfire valve (wired). If it does you can either wire it up if it works properly and if it doesn't you can cut the plunger off, either way it's a good idea to have a shutoff valve on the fuel line.

Slipperz wrote:

@MightyRaze
The post on the starter is indeed what I mean. Not sure if it was a great ifea but thats how I got it to start. Thanks for the grounding tip. There are got a lot of bad/ broken wires I just need to sort them out then I need a key switch. I have a spare solenoid in case. I am pretty sure its a 3 wire set up if I remeber right.

Ok, cool.

@Brianator 
If you would do such a thing that would be great! But if that sounds like too much work I can find a diagram or maybe ask some peoples I know. So Any help is welcomed but I dont want to seems as I am aski g of too much I just have no experience with wiring.

Yes I would but unfortunately not tonight, I got caught up helping a neighbor after work then *forced* into bbq and beer! Lol.

For me not so much work it just takes me a long time to type it all out as I'm on mobile.

Question: Do you have the original key switch for the tractor that plugs into the harness? If so that's going to make things much easier on you!

I forgot to comment on the jumping the starter thing earlier, it works and is no big deal but you can also jump the 2 big posts on the starter solenoid with a screwdriver to turn the engine over, follow the battery wire from the starter and you'll find the solenoid.

@Brianator
I wished I was forced into BBQ! It's no prob as I cant work on it for a few days anyway. I unfortunately do not as it was in pieces; I have all of the pieces still so maybe I can test them enough to find a proper replacement? by different pieces I mean I have a sort of clock spring, the end that plugs into the harness then the key cylinder. Maybe I can put them Humpty back together again? lol

I will say he was pretty insistant to repay me for helping him and I didn't want to be rude so ya... lol.

Find your starter solenoid and post a pic or 2, this starting/stopping issue could be only a push button and toggle switch away from working

@Brianator
Sounds good I will when the sunshine's!
Also, if I can if it's not too much extra work, I would like a key switch just for resale value in case this tractor goes up for sale in the future. It's not too much of a worry as it would be best just to be working but yea.
Thanks for everything!

This may be close enough to help! (as a reference, there are cheaper places to get parts)

https://www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/manufacturer/cub-cadet/huskee-husky/14-garden-tractors/1999-models/14ai849h131-1999/hood-style-9

Here ya go! How about 5! The little toggle is hooked thru the yeller wire to the solenoid.

AYE!  She's been hacked pretty good.  If it were mine, I'd redo all the wiring.  The link above looks like it has a good match for a wiring diagram.  You might could get it all spiced back together.  Unfortunately it is one of those things you can give better guidance looking at it "personally".  We'll do what we can.

PS: As for slow starter, that cable is pretty tarnished and the posts on the solonoid are pretty rusty.  As well as the base.  Bad ground probably there.

I was also thinking about the slow starter issue.  It could be a slipped magnet (especially if dropped) or just need some cleanup inside.

Good one for fixing that.
https://www.atltf.com/t5959-prancstaman-s-awesome-starter-rebuild

@MightyRaze Yea she's bad! Makes Putt Putt's wiring look brand new!
Yea I think I will redo it all and make a simple harness using some toggles and a big push button start I have in my in my stash.
I will try and save the solonoid if not I will get one on order.

Oh ya that looks a mess! Lol. The good news is rewiring that tractor would be pretty simple! Looks like a 3 wire solenoid which means the metal on the body is ground, have you tried putting 12v to the small terminal yet? If there's no click/it doesn't engage the motor then it's toast =(

Well, I got one of Scrappy's new tires on!
The other seemed to have a small leak it since it was late, I left it off the tractor and this mornin it didn't leak, so I have two brand new tires ready to be installed! Also, it runs 1 inch axles so I think this trans will be very robust! I will post a pic once I get them both on.

Well a long-awaited update.
I finally got the time to look at Scrappy inside a shop.
First thing I had to deal with was a plugged fuel inlet coming from the tank. So I pulled the fenders off.


Once that was pulled off I pulled the chunk of really thick steel that the seat bolts to giving my direct access to the gas tank.


Once tanked was pulled and confirmed where the plug was I pulled the gromet off that held the inlet and after some thinking and talking to others I found a gromet I had around that was the exact size to fit in the original's place and small enough to slip fuel line perfectly thru.



Here is a pic of the original set that rusted away.


Also look at the color of fuel that came out of this tank!


After some washing of the tank out I got it reinstalled and ready for me to tackle the wiring!
Don't worry this time I will actually update you guys... maybe

Well time to do my least favorite part of the job. Wiring.
I found this really really cool and simple wiring diagram here on ATLTF that I will be following on this build. Here is a link!
https://www.atltf.com/t2064-wire-diagram-for-most-bs-engines
I started with the start button circuit. I will be using a push button as my starter switch simply as I had some laying around.
So, I made up the wires to complete the circuit.
Here is the one that goes from solenoid to switch.

Then from switch to solenoid!

Then I installed the switch and plugged them all into the solenoid.

Then here is a pic of the switch from the outside. I have put it in the same place the factory key switch was installed at.


Thats all for today! If you have any pointers for me please do tell!

Looking good. Wiring isn't too bad. Once you figure out where things go it can actually be kind of fun.

Thanks Mighty!
Yea If I do it step by step like this, I don't think it will be to bad.

Wow that's some nasty "gas" that came out of that tank! Lol. Did it run decently with that?

@Brianator
No when I had this tractor running I was feeding it gas/starting fluid thru the carb, and this tractor has been sitting at least 20-25 years as the previous owner said it was his lawn mower at his old house and he hasn't lived there for like 30 years. lol

Hey guys I had a quick question on making a kill for Scrappy.
I havent found an obvious kill wire so I was wonder if I can make a kill. If i made up a wire and sent it from the coil mount to my switch would that work? I will do some more researc myself but just wanted your guys thoughts.
Here is where i was talking about mounting it.

Under that coil should be a little spade connector.

Oh ok thanks a lot @MightyRaze!
I did get some more testing in and with a jump pack hooked up the engine spins over with my push button!

Update.
I have got it running and driving now just waiting on a throttle cable then I got to hook up the charging system, but my new electrical system works! Very surprised on that one! lol

Hey Guys I have a question.
So I just got my new throttle cable but my govna doesn't seem to move? When engine off it is locked back like normal but when i start it it goes full throttle? Is something misadjusted or is my govna' locked up or something internally? I can move the linkage fine just doesn't seem to work.

Well,
I got him all done, and he runs really well! I am sure he will be a good trailer jockey or something in the future!