Cub Cadet 100 wire harness melt-down
 

Hey, fellow Cubie's,
Never had this happen before! After I was done mowing Saturday and shut tractor off, it still was trying to turn over. My grandson said, hey look, it's smoking. I just said it probably is just dust. But then it started smoking worse. I took closer look, and it was by Regulater up front. I kept tuning key on-off, but did not matter. Finally got out wrench and disconnected negative lead on battery. Battery was sparking on Neg terminal as I was doing this. After finally getting it disconnected, I checked ignition switch and starter push button with Ohm meter. Both appear to check OK. Took voltage regulator in to get tested, and it was fried.The place I took regulator to replaced it with no questions asked! What I don't know is if the regulator was the cause, or if it was a casualty of somethig else. I do know, that half of my wire harness has to be replaced. Does anyone have suggestions on what else to check? Could my starter generator have anything to do with it?

Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions.:American Flag 1:
Martin (wappler-the-cub-man)

if it has the original wiring then it probably needs to be completely changed out

I have built a few harnesses for my tractors when they have been redone. its not a bad job to do ( I actually enjoy it). make sure you use the right gauge wire and different colors for the wire as well

I have seen new harnesses up for sale before as well

the diagrams for wiring are out on this site

thanks

hope it helps you

Did you have a new voltage regulator before the meltdown?
What brand was it if you had a new one?

You have something that is shorted out. Question is what?

First thing I would do is check wire harness to make sure it is OK. Next thing make sure you have a good ground.

I worked on a IH Cub Cadet 126 that same problem you are having (battery sparking when wire is connected to negative post). I removed one wire at a time and tried to connect negative wire to battery. The starter solenoid was the problem.

I have purchase several wire harness off Porch Electric for different IH Cub Cadets I've work on. It is easier to get one made up than to try to make one.

I agree. They make good harnesses.

I know it's not the same, but I made mine for my 70, and it works great and didn't take much. cost about $12.00 in new connectors. I had the heat shrink and the wire. I would say take the extra time and solder the ends better connection and save you the problem of them coming apart later.

I had the exact same problem on a 129 that I once had. My problem was an old wiring harness and a lot of the wire insulation had corroded away, exposing bare wires that came in contact. Mine resulted in a small fire and my harness and regulator were fried. Sounds like you are due for a new regulator and wire harness. Probably overdue and will make for a safer, more reliable ride in the future!

Cub Cadet 123