[Long02]

Hey all,

I recently purchased an LX188 and need a little insight on what I have. Some of you have already helped me with purchasing the tractor and I greatly appreciate it. I ended up giving $750 for this tractor and it came with a nice bagger as well. I bought it from an older gentlemen who purchased it from someone who had it sitting in their garage for a few years. The oil, coolant, some belts, and a pulley were changed before I got it, along with the blades being sharpened. I got it home and mowed with it that same day and it did great.

Fast forward to a couple of days ago. I went out to move it and attempted to start it up but it would not start. It turned over a few times and clicked. Threw the charger on the battery and let it completely charge and it fired right up. I got to looking around under the hood (a little better than I did when buying) and noticed a few things that don't seem quite right.

I have butt connectors and wires running all over and the hour meter isn't connected.






Is there anything for concern here? I would assume that there is as when I grabbed a few wires and moved them around the engine idle seemed to change.



http://vidmg.photobucket.com/albums...4-B1F1-41B9-AC5D-29956967E0A2_zpsdlf5awtc.mp4

Lastly, there is a weird pulsing that I get through the brake pedal and it when the brake is released there is a rattle/grinding/vibrating issue. I was told that one of the belts was slightly worn and may need replacing.



http://vidmg.photobucket.com/albums...C-31DD-4693-AECB-59637F7A57CC_zpsuntewvic.mp4

Any thoughts on all of this? I have thought about taking it to the local JD store and having them take a look but I am sure that would cost me a decent amount. I still feel I got a decent deal on the tractor and it mowed extremely well, but these things concern me. I should have paid more attention to it when I was looking it over...

Thanks for any help.

Andy

 

[javjacob]

Somebody hack jobbed your wiring, why do people do that?! Most likely the connections are bad and need to be re spliced. I would solder all the wires that I could after making sure the right wires are going to the right wires. Solder and shrink wrap is the right way to do it.

Those cheap pinch splices work fine for home wiring that never gets wet or moisture but on a lawn tractor they don't seal out moisture and the wires can corrode over even a short period of time making a bad connection.

 

[Long02]

Yeah, I will clean it up soon. Makes me wonder what this thing has been through though.

 

[javjacob]

Stupid people. I know people who will cut all the wires to remove a CD player from a car when they could have just un plugged it.

 

[Long02]

Could I get someone to take a look at the second video I posted as well, and give me your thoughts? Thanks.

 

[KATT]

Not sure if this is anything, but applying the brake stops the PTO If memory serves, which could explain the change in engine speed ?? or not. :dunno:

But the wiring, was that mice damage repair :sidelaugh

 

[Long02]

I don't know what the heck it is. Ha. Did I still do good at $750 though? Lol

 

[KATT]

Sure, I have 5 LX188's.
We made 1 a parts tractor and raid it as need.
Look @ it this way, It's IMHO, 10 time better than the Big Box that cost twice as much.
Mostly I had carb and fuel pump problems when they got here.
AND 2 of them had a leaky valve cover that threw the valve guide, which we just shoved back in a readjusted it. BTW the engine loses !/2 power of course. :sidelaugh

1 is my Dads "96" that he bought new, and has been passed down and is still doing weekly mowing. I just upgraded the fuel pump to the "NEW " safer one after what 19 years ??
And the newest one ( last fall ) mows and snow blows. It had both problems above,but you need to expect to do some work after 15 plus years. :dunno: