104 safety switches

[Jackman]

On a 104 are there safety switches as in clutch/brake and neutral?

Just trying to figure why some times I get no power to the starter and then with out doing anything I get power to the starter again

[Jeff in Pa]

My 125 had safety switches

[ksanders]

Take a look at the clutch. When you press it there's a long thin tab on the clutch shaft that presses a small safety switch in the frame. This is the only safety on that tractor. The tab is known to break, is sometimes out of adjustment, and is usually just by-passed. I try to get the ones on mine all working just for safety. Pretty simple design.
Also don't overlook something like a short at a connection on these old Cubs. Ignition switches, solenoid terminals, battery posts, and even starter terminals sometimes need a cleaning up after 45 year.

[Jackman]

Take a look at the clutch. When you press it there's a long thin tab on the clutch shaft that presses a small safety switch in the frame. This is the only safety on that tractor. The tab is known to break, is sometimes out of adjustment, and is usually just by-passed. I try to get the ones on mine all working just for safety. Pretty simple design.
Also don't overlook something like a short at a connection on these old Cubs. Ignition switches, solenoid terminals, battery posts, and even starter terminals sometimes need a cleaning up after 45 year.

Thanks I'll look for that clutch saftee , so hard to get in that area of the CC, I did check battery and all connections that I can see with no results funny thing is that tomorrow morning with out doing a darn thing it might just fire right up.

Previos owner said the CC ran this way for years, he'd just leave it be when it would not start and cxome back later and try again he says I need a key switch but I'll look for the safety first.

[vince_o]

Jack

Look where Kev said. None of mine work I just jumped them out. That should be the only one on the tractor.

I like the way the NF's look, just no room to work on them.

[Jackman]

Jack

Look where Kev said. None of mine work I just jumped them out. That should be the only one on the tractor.

I like the way the NF's look, just no room to work on them.

I will check it out tomorrow and post back what I find, fingers are crossed for a bad switch........

[Jackman]

Pulled the mower deck lifted the Cub and there it was right where ksanders said I found the safety switch , it was hooked up with two red wires, I disconnected switch and put the wires together and still no start , there is power to the wires that connect to the safety when the key is on

,,, Ive checked everything else all appears good so I wonder if its the key switch thats bad


Is there away of jumping the key switch? Hate to be a parts replacer but the key switch seems the most logical choice right now.....

[vince_o]

You can jump right to the S/G to turn it over.

Before I did that, Id take my test light and follow the path on the dig. Those are simple wiring, you should find it real easy.

[wdeturck]

When you jump right to the S/G using a jumper box or cables first put the RED + lead on the "A" terminal and touch the BLACK - lead to ground(the arcing will mess up the threads).
When you do this you are by passing the solenoid where he 12 V goes from the Ignition switch through the safety switches and powers the starter.

[JLazar]

The button on the safty switch could be sticking due to rust and dirt, for all thats said. I'd try some WD-40 there, good stuff!

[wdeturck]

The button on the safty switch could be sticking due to rust and dirt, for all thats said. I'd try some WD-40 there, good stuff!

WD-40 is good for getting rid of moisture but I haven't used it since it became non-flammable{was great for starting engines) but Kroil(real good) and BP Blaster do a much better job as penatrants.

[Jackman]

Well I found the problem its a intermittent solenoid , going to look for a new on tomorrow.....

[ksanders]

The connections on those love to stop working after a while. Have you loosened the top and bottom posts, wiggled the corrosion off good or more ideally take them off and clean the connections, and tightened them back down? Might be worth a shot before investing in a new one. I've had quite a few needing that little "fix".

[Jackman]

Well after getting the price on a new solenoid at 80 dollars I am going to clean it up and see if I can save it....

[Klapatta]

I had one fail on my 102 on and off again some years back and trying to figure out what was wrong along the way drove me silly.
Cleaning it will do nothing if it's sticking or failed internally.
The price you mention is way out of line, it should be about half that. I'd check on line for a more reasonable price.

[Jackman]

Well I got that 80 dollar price at my local Cub Cadet dealer, what other sources are there for Cub Cadet parts?

[Klapatta]

It's really nothing more than a standard winch solenoid. Amazon has them on line starting at $15.

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I took my old one to the local auto parts place and they matched it right up straight off the shelf
Any place that deals with snow plows, off roading, or ATV's would probably be able to help out too
Kevin is quite right about the electrical contact issue too, those terminals should be clean and bright- it may be all that's needed.

[Jackman]

I'll try AutoZone tomorrow maybe they have something similar. I did make the contacts all shiny still no start the problem began with the battery somehow the previous owner installed the wrong size battery (too big)and tied it in with a bungee cord it tipped and spilled acid on the solenoid so I have corrosion in a bad way