John Deere 185 Hydro Starter Solenoid Replacement

[@jdawg87321]

I got one for 150$ lol it works good but on its second season now it’s not working so good :( it bogs down when I engage the blades . Any clues as to what could be wrong I’ve replaced all the belts oil change spark plug fuel lines everything bedsides. The carburetor

[@kylebuurma1921]

What’s the link for the first one you had ordered? The one with the straight plastic tab, I’m struggling to find that one

[@kuzru9656]

Unfortunately the link doesn't work anymore. I bought it on ebay and the picture was of the metal hook, but the shipped product was the plastic tab. I hope you were able to find one.

[@Quinteros777]

Great vid! I'm looking into buying a 185. Would you say you recommend this bad boy? I hear JD doesn't make them like this model anymore...

[@kuzru9656]

It pulls hills like crazy, lots of power given the age and size. The mower deck linkages are finicky and were always breaking on me though. The rear wheels were absolutely rusted on to the axles. Not even a puller + heat + air hammer + sledge hammer could get them off. So if you buy one, make sure you can change the tires on it without cutting the old wheels off.

[@bluequark5274]

I still have a 185 that cuts a three acre lot all summer then clears snow from a 400 foot driveway with a blower all winter. They are worth looking after.

[@shappens6043]

@@bluequark5274 same here. I do all my neighbours on both sides of the block with the blower.

[@noahbothwell7947]

Are 180 and 185 starter Solenoids the same? Need this fur my small engines class

[@kuzru9656]

I’m not sure, sorry. But I wish you well in your class! Sounds like a fun class.

[@ScarlettFire341]

My x585 Starter Solenoid required me to click the starter motor a few times to allow the starter lever more travel so I could hook it in ...

[@kuzru9656]

Really interesting. I’ve been having an intermittent issue where the solenoid won’t grab. I wonder if it’s related. I had chalked it up to an out of spec, non-OEM part. I might take it back off and try that. It did engage solidly as you saw in the video. But perhaps it’s just barely on there. Thanks for the comment!

[@ivtec4fun55]

Also, it's not a bad idea to throw a starter relay kit on there. That way you won't be drawing all that current through all the switches.

[@georgemallard1103]

Where did you get the solenoid from? Everyone seems to have only the plastic tab ones.

[@kuzru9656]

I found it on Amazon. Hopefully this link works. a.co/d/avDWAKU

[@ron4413]

Mine is a 1991 LX 186 with the same setup. Do you think it's the same solenoid?

[@kuzru9656]

I'm not sure. I'm not a collector or anything so don't know much about these. I hope you get yours working though! It's a nice feeling fixing it yourself.

[@ron4413]

@@kuzru9656 Thanks! I started to take it apart and when I put a wrench on the nut for the cable that goes to the battery it was loose. I tightened the nut and now it starts every time, no more clicking.

[@joshuatillinghast6444]

Hey, what is the serial number of your engine? I think mine may be a '86 185 with the center fender Neutral lever for push mode. Whoever had it before me took the JD serial number sticker off and never stamped the serial number into the steel frame when they took the sticker off. Wonder if our engine serial numbers are similar and be able to confirm its a '86. thinking the later models had the neutral rod under the seat.

[@kuzru9656]

Unfortunately, I sold sir toots this spring. I needed space in the barn, so I can’t check. But he went to a good home with a collector that had 6 other 185s :)

[@shappens6043]

My sticker fell off because of gas leak from the carb.

[@greciashade]

“Oh yeah! First try”

[@kuzru9656]

I was happily surprised when it turned over!

[@happyamerican3235]

If you’re still getting the dead click you need the relay kit. It’s a cheap fix too. I have the 165 hydro. The Kawasaki engines are great “when they start”. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqavpnV-iZZorKM