Ford 4000 4 cyl gas Solenoid?

[SCUBAInstr]

Here is my problem.....
Ford 4000 (4 cyl gas) *most* of the time starts fine. It has gotten now where a lot of times I push the button, and "click" and nothing else. I can subsequently push sometimes several, sometimes one or two more times, and it will finally engage the starter and crank.
Battery is good, and alternator is charging. Verified with a volt meter.

Could the solenoid be my problem? All guidance is appreciated.

Thanks!
Tommy D...
 

[souNdguy]

could it be?

it might.

might also be a bad trans top switch ( check by placing tractor in neutral, blocking clutch down, then using a jumper wire to jump terminal on solenoid hooked to trans switch to ground. )

could also be wire connections.

could be a bad power wire to switched hot connection on solenoid.

could be solenoid itself

or could be the starter.


jump out power and test ground to solenoid.. the easiest to do.. etc..
 

[SCUBAInstr]

Ok - Will do the ground test when I get home today.

Question -> Why do I block the clutch down if it's in neutral?

Thanks!
Tommy D.
 

[Steve Brussell]

Block the clutch for extra pre-caution. Getting run over by your tractor will really ruin your day.
 

[JMOR]

[Mark6005]

My 64 4000 acted the same several years ago finally would not engage at all. Went to shop for new pinion gear.
 

[souNdguy]

yup.. as another said.. blocking the clutch is just one more level of prudence in trying NOT to get run'd over..
 

[crazylocha]

And when checking battery cables etc., we mean CLEAN cables AND spots where they connect. A little wire brushing goes a long way.

About blocking the clutch...

My neighbor Fred. Very good man. Has a hay farm in Vermont with 3 4000's, a 5000, and the wife's 3000. Was out this spring/early summer bailing. Decided he needed to hop off tractor and took out of gear and left running. Doing whatever it was he felt like he needed to do, one slip at wrong time and tractor rolled over his chest, baler over his head. He died once in ambulance on way to local hospital, second time in the chopper ride to bigger hospital in region. That was May I think. He just got out of rehab thankfully to be allowed to come to Florida for the winter. He will most definitely NOT be able to drive ever again, He is fighting wife about getting rid of tractors next year.
They have to wait through the winter to find out what VA is covering and how much they will have to cover for bills. Low to medium chance they have to sell farm.

Block the clutch, oh yes. Turn the tractor off to be sure when getting off. You bet I do now.