wheel horse 417-8

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

Hi, I just picked up a wheel horse 417-8 for free a week ago and it ran good everything worked as it was suppose to but yesterday I went to put a brand new battery into it and as soon as I hooked it up it killed the battery and I treid my jumper pack just to see if I got a bad battery and it killed that to
any ideas on what might have caused that?

Edited May 14, 2021 by Jonnyrocket132

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,046]

Welcome to the forum.

 

Do you have the tractor model and serial number?

Do you have a row of idiot lights on the dash? No - 1985, Yes - 1986

Needed to get the correct wiring diagram.

 

Garry

 

 

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

I have the model number of the engine if that helps?

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,046]

Not necessarily for a no-start problem but will reveal other important features about your tractor.

The tractor data decal may be in front of the seat or on the left side of the seat on the rear fender pan.

When you post the engine numbers include the serial number.

 

Garry

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

oh that one okay it says a 1984

Edited May 14, 2021 by Jonnyrocket132

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

model number for the the engine is KT17Qs

spec. number is 24363 

serial number is 1534312866

and the wheel horse is a 417-8

and the one that says the model number for the tractor is to faded for me to tell what it says 

Edited May 14, 2021 by Jonnyrocket132

[johnnymag3 2,520]

That's one heck of a draw if it killed a new battery immediately !!  

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

yeah I didn't even have to put the key in it to do that and it did the exact same thing to my fully charged jumper pack as well 

Edited May 14, 2021 by Jonnyrocket132

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

normally I am able to figure out these types of issues but this one has me scratching my head because I have looked through all of the fuses and the safeties but it is still doing it 

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

25 minutes ago, gwest_ca said:

Welcome to the forum.

 

Do you have the tractor model and serial number?

Do you have a row of idiot lights on the dash? No - 1985, Yes - 1986

Needed to get the correct wiring diagram.

 

Garry

 

 

yes I do but I don't think they work

[SPINJIM 1,981]

Did you disconnect the battery before connecting the jumper pack?   Could be dead short in the new battery.   Obvious question, positive & negative correctly connected?   Try putting your old battery back in temporarily, and see what happens.  

   Jim

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

the battery is hooked up correctly. I tried the old battery and it finished of that old weak battery as well. I had the battery disconnected when I tried the jumper pack

Edited May 14, 2021 by Jonnyrocket132

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

here are some photos 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,046]

Get the battery charged up with the negative cable disconnected from the battery.

Connect a voltmeter between the negative battery cable and the negative battery post.

If a short exists it will give you a voltage reading. Hooked up this way it will not create a heavy discharge on the battery. Disconnect different items until the short is eliminated.

 

There is a short battery cable between the tractor frame and the engine. If it fails the starter won't work and perhaps the battery is not discharged.

 

Your tractor is most likely a 1986 model 417-A Twin Automatic model 31-17KE02 with it's original engine. Kohler made your engine in 1985.

 

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

this wheel horse is a 417-8 with electric mower deck lift

1984

Edited May 14, 2021 by Jonnyrocket132

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

update,

I checked the battery terminals and notice that the + terminal was crumbling on the starter relay so I replaced both battery terminals and tried it and it still drained the battery but not as fast as before

[Bill D 1,926]

Definitely a 1986 model due the louvers punched into the hood and the serial number of the engine.  Start looking for melted wiring.  You have a direct short somewhere.  Bill

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,046]

Connect a voltmeter or test light to the negative battery post. Take the other lead and drag it across the top of the battery from the positive post to the negative. If you have any voltage there dirt on the battery is causing a short between the battery posts 24-7.

Remove battery from tractor and wash it up. Be careful as there is sulfuric acid on the surface so watch your clothes and tools for corrosion.

 

Garry

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

update

I got it to run but the wiring was done by someone who obviously didn't know what they were doing so I had to rewire the whole thing 

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

thanks for the help

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

I have another question, 

the carburetor is the original one and it is on its last legs and I ordered one but the choke cable wouldn't fit onto it. I have looked all over and found a couple but the choke cable wouldn't fit and I just can't seem to find one that works for this poor old wheelhouse 417-8, does anyone know where I can find the right carburetor for it?

Edited May 16, 2021 by Jonnyrocket132

[oliver2-44 9,759]

Why are you saying you carb is on it’s last leg? They are rebuildable and worn choke shafts can be bushed. If your looking at aftermarket Chinese carbs many of us have no had good luck with them!

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

it leaks in several different places and a lot of the fuel mixture screws are rusted in to where you can't adjust the idle or the air fuel mixture and it wasn't treated well by the previous owners

Edited May 17, 2021 by Jonnyrocket132

[Jonnyrocket132 38]

yeah maybe your right. I will try and repair the cracks with some JB weld and install a new carb rebuild kit that I have and see if it will work 

[richmondred01 2,237]

If your wiring harness is messed up PM me.

I have a complete 417-8 wiring harness.