TG1860 stalls and then wont turn over

[dgarvin57]

Just bought a used TG1860, probably a 1999 or 2000. Hour meter says 369 but it's not working, so not sure how many hours. Mows fine for 45 minutes or so then starts to die. It sounds like it's running out of fuel. I turn off the PTO and it recovers for a moment then stalls out completely. I can increase the throttle and it recovers for a moment longer then continues to die out until it stalls altogether. Then when I try and restart, the engine doesn't turn over at all; just a single click. Then when I turn off the key, another small click in a few seconds. After about an hour, it starts and runs fine. This cycle has repeated many times.

I've checked the battery voltage after it died and it reads 12.69. This puzzles me because it sounds like it's starving for fuel but then if that's the cause, I'd expect it to turn over but not start. So it seems like an electrical problem. I've read similar posts where the cause has been the battery. Could it be that when it gets hot, it fails? Not quite sure I understand the systems well enough yet.

I'm looking for ideas of how to trouble shoot this. I have a shop manual but not very experienced with this sort of thing but committed to understanding and fixing it. Appreciate any thoughts. Thansk

 

[Tooljunkie]

Start with removing battery cables completely from machine, clean the ends and inspect for corrosion. Next check fuse panel for corroded fuses. If they are glass type cylindrical fuses, then just replace them, i have seen those type fail inside
The metal end cap.
Removing battery and having it load tested may be a good idea too.
These things cost very little other than time.

 

[lugbolt]

is your TG1860 gas or diesel engine?

 

[torch]

How hot is the engine when it stalls? From your description, it's possible that the engine is seizing rather than stalling.

 

[dgarvin57]

Thanks Frank, for the suggestions. Haven't had time, but I like the ideas to start with the battery and fuses.

Lugbolt, the TG1860 is diesel.

Torch, the engine now stalls after about 10 minutes mowing. So, I'm no longer suspecting it to be related to heat.

Here's the update: I run the tractor and mow for about 10-15 minutes. It starts loosing power or missing. I disengage the mower. Once or twice the engine recovered and ran for a few minutes more. Now, after I disengage the electric clutch, it still keeps running, but real rough, as if it's on one cylinder. It will keep going like this until I shut if off. Before, it wouldn't turnover or click after shutting it down. Now, it does start, but continues to sputter. Increasing the throttle has no affect. Just continues to idle very rough with the engine shaking like it's going to die, but it doesn't.

I suspect two problems: 1. Fuel related (it sounds like it's starving for fuel when starts to fail). 2. Electrical related to heat (wouldn't turn over).

I'll start with replacing or testing the battery and checking the fuses, as Frank suggests. From the sound of other posts I've read on the TG1860, the electric clutch could be suspect just because of age, but the fact that it continues to sputter even after turning off the PTO maybe rules the clutch out???

Any other suggestions would be helpful. I'll update when I learn more or finally fix it. Thanks for all your help so far.

 

[Tooljunkie]

Thanks Frank, for the suggestions. Haven't had time, but I like the ideas to start with the battery and fuses.

Lugbolt, the TG1860 is diesel.

Torch, the engine now stalls after about 10 minutes mowing. So, I'm no longer suspecting it to be related to heat.

Here's the update: I run the tractor and mow for about 10-15 minutes. It starts loosing power or missing. I disengage the mower. Once or twice the engine recovered and ran for a few minutes more. Now, after I disengage the electric clutch, it still keeps running, but real rough, as if it's on one cylinder. It will keep going like this until I shut if off. Before, it wouldn't turnover or click after shutting it down. Now, it does start, but continues to sputter. Increasing the throttle has no affect. Just continues to idle very rough with the engine shaking like it's going to die, but it doesn't.

I suspect two problems: 1. Fuel related (it sounds like it's starving for fuel when starts to fail). 2. Electrical related to heat (wouldn't turn over).

I'll start with replacing or testing the battery and checking the fuses, as Frank suggests. From the sound of other posts I've read on the TG1860, the electric clutch could be suspect just because of age, but the fact that it continues to sputter even after turning off the PTO maybe rules the clutch out???

Any other suggestions would be helpful. I'll update when I learn more or finally fix it. Thanks for all your help so far.

I agree, fuel issue causing rough running and electrical for the no start. My tractor runs fine, but one time i shut it off and no start. Cleaned cables and replaced bolt holding ground cable to frame, greased with terminal grease and hasnt failed me since. Two years so far.

 

[D2Cat]

Be sure the fuel shut off valve located above the left rear tire is totally open.

Next thing I'd try is, next time it shuts down remove the fuel cap and remove the fuel line up front by that filter. Blow into the fuel line to see if it is restricted. You may have an accumulation of leaves/grass cause a blockage.