184 starting - is this normal???

[Saucymynx]

Hello. I have a 1979 184 that, after great expense, is running well. Interestingly though, when I go to start it it does not ever fire when the key is in the start position. I crank it for 10-15 sec depending on how cold it is and then release the key. It fires up when i release the key to the run position. Is this normal? None of my other factors work that way. Thanks

[toehead]

No, not normal. (at least on my 154)

Your coil is probably hooked up to the wrong post and doesn't get power while cranking (probably to the headlights)

[outdoors4evr]

Not normal. Your 184 should start on the first twist of the key. Check the wiring of the key. Someone connected the coil wire to the wrong terminal.

[Saucymynx]

Thank you for the replies. Do you know where I might find a wiring diagram?

[toehead]

The 184 uses a "universal" ignition switch that has the following terminals: "Batt, Start, ACC, IGN,"

The wire supplying power to the coil should go directly to the "IGN" terminal. If it is connected to the "ACC" terminal, you will get the behavior you describe.


This is the one my Cub has.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/GRO822158

[outdoors4evr]

Look in the Quick Links, PDF Manuals. Select the 154 (not the 184) and choose the manual "Cub-154 Lo-Boy Owner's Manual 11-73". Page 29 & 30 describe the dash wiring in detail. The 154 and 184 are represented on these pages.

[Larry B]

Use a volt meter and check from the coil terminal with the 2 wires on it to ground and see if you get battery voltage when you turn the key to start. If not check the black wire from the coil to the ignition switch IGN terminal. If wire is good check switch IGN terminal to ground when key in start position. If not bad key switch. Has someone done some "creative" wiring in the past?

[Saucymynx]

Thanks for all the great support. I will follow up with your suggestions and report back

[toehead]

Any update?

[Saucymynx]

Not yet - haven’t had a chance to get to it. Soon, hopefully....

[tst]

if it has a in line ballast resistor gone bad that will do that

[Matt Kirsch]

Weak battery or bad starter can cause it too.

What's going on here is while cranking, the voltage of the battery drops. Under normal conditions, the voltage of the battery doesn't drop very far and there is still enough voltage to properly charge the coil and make a good spark. When the battery starts getting weak, or there is some undue load on the battery, the voltage drops further than normal, and is no longer enough to charge the coil properly for a good spark. The moment you stop cranking the engine, the battery voltage pops back up, the coil charges fully, you get a spark, and the engine starts.

[outdoors4evr]

The 184 is 12v. Even a battery with a dead cell (around 10v) can start the 184.