Starter

[Randomcubguy]

So I was working on the carb of my 154 the other day. I must of left the key on or something cause it seemed to have no juice the next day. I put the charger on it and it was humming and buzzing but not cranking. So I figured I’d give the ole starter a tap since it is a new to me mower and in ruff shape so figured maybe starter was on its way out. Been working on cars and motors half my life so I feel really stupid saying this, but, I can’t find the flipping starter. Can someone give me a nudge in the right direction? Not in any of the manuals or anything.

[john2189]

It is a generator/starter. Could be belt slipping.
Manuals are at the top left corner of this page.
I’m in Minerva.
John

[Eugene]

It's the thing that looks like a generator on the right front of the engine. Called a starter/generator, S/G, as Johns stated, functions as both.

Before you decide to junk the tractor.
1) Fully charge the battery.
2) Clean up the battery terminals and cable clamps. Terminals and grounds at the S/G. Condition of the cables.
3) Important. Sheet metal get corroded, cruddy, makes poor electrical contact. Move the battery ground cable from the sheet metal to the transmission case.

Check to see if the S/G is functioning. Yes, belt tight.

The solenoid in the start circuit for the S/G sometimes goes bad.

[Randomcubguy]

Thanks everyone. This is the first time I’ve ran into or even heard of a setup like this. I’ll check all of suggestions. Thanks.

[john2189]

Very common on most lawn and garden tractors

[Jim Becker]

Some late model cars with start-stop systems use a starter/generator in place of the alternator.

[Urbish]

If you haven't downloaded them already, this site has several manuals for the 154 and there are references to the 'motor-generator' in there. Pages 28-30 of the 1973 edition of the manual show the wiring and might help you track down a faulty connection/ground. Go up to the top left in Quick Links, and select PDF manuals.

[ibdilbert]

Maybe this video will help.
https://youtu.be/FWprCnwq-fk