I have the same LT166 with a 46" deck. Dad purchased new from John Deere. It sat unused for 10-15 years on the farm until I had it overhauled. Having starting issues and think it's probably the starter. Thanks for the video.
As a retired test engineer, it was slightly painful watching you chase the starting problem. I suggest you buy a 12 volt test light instead of using the meter for initial diagnosis. It’s inexpensive and will free up one hand while testing so you can use the test light and turn the ignition switch at the same time. You can then very easily and quickly find missing voltages or grounds. You will still need the meter for checking whether the batter is charging, looking for voltage drops and bad grounds.
Ellis if ya lived closer I have a JD deck you could probably have and use on that mower. I am not going to use it on the JD mower I was given. Turning it into a trailer puller workhorse.
Not JDs best effort. I have an old 240 that is twice the mower and a 445 that has stood the test. The steering linkage on my LT166 is shit. One of the coils has died. But the mower deck... what a battle. It seems to be spring loaded. You can drop the deck to its lowest setting and lock the leaver but look out when you pull the second deck pin. It will snap upwards. The fun is getting the lift linkage back down to put the pin back in. Its also fun getting the pin and washer back in for the operating link. If a new one wasn't so pricey this would be gone..
I have one of these, my dad bought it in 2000. It’s been a good mower after all these years, but it’s wore out. Still use it to mow my yard, until I can afford to upgrade.
I've tried fixing electrical problems on mowers the one thing that drive me crazy are the pto electrical setup never cared for them I never could figure out how.
That machine has a very worn out deck, it could use some new spindles judging by the noise coming from it. But the engine is running awesome and smooth though. The hydro seems to be working out OK, so thats also a plus. Yeah, when it comes to electrical though, it can really be a real PITA. I do believe that break switch is faulty and really should be replaced, its got dirt inside the contacts, thats why it appears better now, but it really should be replaced Ellis. Good work otherwise, and is still a nice machine.
I have the same mower but a little newer and having the same issue I replaced the selinoid with a new one and still nothing but I need to check the one wire
Check the operation of the brake and blade safety switches. When both are closed there should be zero ohms between the ignition switch and starter solenoid pole on that wire. Usually the wire color is purple and white.
Wow what a cluster of problems and wiring this thing had. Great repair. Sure runs and starts great now. Thanks for the video's.
I have the same LT166 with a 46" deck. Dad purchased new from John Deere. It sat unused for 10-15 years on the farm until I had it overhauled. Having starting issues and think it's probably the starter. Thanks for the video.
Awesome job! I concur with the hood system....they stink! I hope my problem will also be solved with the brake system! Thank you!
As a retired test engineer, it was slightly painful watching you chase the starting problem. I suggest you buy a 12 volt test light instead of using the meter for initial diagnosis. It’s inexpensive and will free up one hand while testing so you can use the test light and turn the ignition switch at the same time. You can then very easily and quickly find missing voltages or grounds. You will still need the meter for checking whether the batter is charging, looking for voltage drops and bad grounds.
Ellis if ya lived closer I have a JD deck you could probably have and use on that mower. I am not going to use it on the JD mower I was given. Turning it into a trailer puller workhorse.
Not JDs best effort. I have an old 240 that is twice the mower and a 445 that has stood the test. The steering linkage on my LT166 is shit. One of the coils has died. But the mower deck... what a battle. It seems to be spring loaded. You can drop the deck to its lowest setting and lock the leaver but look out when you pull the second deck pin. It will snap upwards. The fun is getting the lift linkage back down to put the pin back in. Its also fun getting the pin and washer back in for the operating link. If a new one wasn't so pricey this would be gone..
This one had been through the wringer but it seems the other models are better of this generation. 445 is a great machine!
I have one of these, my dad bought it in 2000. It’s been a good mower after all these years, but it’s wore out. Still use it to mow my yard, until I can afford to upgrade.
I've tried fixing electrical problems on mowers the one thing that drive me crazy are the pto electrical setup never cared for them I never could figure out how.
That machine has a very worn out deck, it could use some new spindles judging by the noise coming from it. But the engine is running awesome and smooth though. The hydro seems to be working out OK, so thats also a plus. Yeah, when it comes to electrical though, it can really be a real PITA. I do believe that break switch is faulty and really should be replaced, its got dirt inside the contacts, thats why it appears better now, but it really should be replaced Ellis. Good work otherwise, and is still a nice machine.
I have the same mower but a little newer and having the same issue I replaced the selinoid with a new one and still nothing but I need to check the one wire
Check the operation of the brake and blade safety switches. When both are closed there should be zero ohms between the ignition switch and starter solenoid pole on that wire. Usually the wire color is purple and white.
@@EllisMowersandmore I was going to check that today but too cold out to be messing with it only 10° out haha
Dude. I need info on the clogged deck belt. Anything you have would be greatly appreciated 😅, thanks from new Zealand
Not sure on this model what that cogged belt would be, as this machine did not have the original deck on it either so the belt is probably a one off.
I have a LT 166 that turns over but won’t crank got a new carb but wires on won’t fit on carb does the wires need to be plugged up
Yes, that's the anti backfire solenoid. You could take the bowl nut off and cut the solenoid off as well if you don't want to mess with the wires.
I have the 166. Can you tell me how to remove the throttle to repair cable. Thank You.
Actually if you can just tell me how to remove it.
I'm not fully sure how to remove it from the dash. It's likely held on by a few clips. But from the engine it should be secured by a 5/16" screw.
Man alot of diagnostic on this one I thought solenoid at 1st. Or one of the safety switches but it was that wire that caused it there.
Tough assignment. Tractor in rough shape.
I'm sure you already know it won't start unless brake is on??
Yes this mower had an array of safety switch issues that I had to fix.
Sorry no card available
That is actually the factory deck
I was thinking the same thing. This model came with three options. Mine has the 48C deck.
The hood on the John Deere of 133 was gone when I got it now I'm having issue with the starter silinod I'll send you a video of it
Sounds like she is a little weak on compression.