ym186D starting problems

[Douglas]

My 186D will not start with the key, tried turning it over by jumping the starter, and it cranked, positive battery cable got hot enough to smoke. Do I have a problem between the ignition and the battery?

[Arnold]

This is the large cable from the battery to the starter? If so, the cable is bad (inside the insulator jacket the conductor is breaking down).

[DAIRYMAN]

How long did you crank the engine before the wire got hot? (Did the tractor start?)

[Doug]

I actually jumped the leads on the sylenoid and no it did not start, it did crank though, I was really trying trouble shoot why it wouldn't start with the key. I only had the leads crossed for a few moments before they started smoking.

[Aaron]

You may have more than one problem.

For the ignition switch starting problem - have you checked out the clutch safety switch? That must be pressed in for the starter to turn with the key switch.

[Doug]

No I haven't tried that yet, where is it and how would I go about checking that switch.

[Arnold]

On mine (different model), it's located near the clutch arm pivot point (covered enough that you won't accidentally kick it). Small switch with 2 wires coming off it. When the clutch is depressed the switch is electrically made. Check it by putting a meter on the 2 terminals and then pressing the clutch in. If it's working you will see the meter change.

The switch could be stuck in one position. It also could be out of adjustment.