JDM Ground Cable

[GaryinAL]

I have a 51 JDM that seems to have a weak ground. The battery is good, but when I try to crank it, it seems to drag. It is a 6volt positive ground system. The positive ground cable is one of those braided strap types. What gauge cable do you guys use for ground cables? Do any other M owners connect the ground anywhere else besides the instrument panel pedestal? I am looking for a better ground connection, if there is one.

Thanks,
Gary
 

[James Howell]

Have used the braided, positive ground strap for our 51M and all three 51 MTs.





Even with a new, 6 volt battery the starter would barely turn over on "Sam" our 51MT.



Removed the starter and turned the worn, copper switch terminal stud 180^o to make better contact with the switch.



Also installed a new switch.

You might check to make sure there is a good connection with the switch and the copper switch terminal stud.

Last resort would be to remove and test the starter.

Hope this helps.
 

[donjr]

Clean your grond up real good with a wore wheel and then reattach your strap. They never did turn over real good with that 6 volt battery.
 

[S.Crum]

Seems like I'm continually reading here about someone having issues with the 6V system in their M tractor. Why? When I rebuilt my M 14 years ago, I took my starter and generator up to Custom Rebuilders and had them do their "magic" on them. I haven't had any problems what so ever save for the 10 year old battery that exploded about an hour after I put the battery charger on it. I'd say I got decent mileage out of that battery. Otherwise I mow every week with the M and use it for snow removal, back blade and stone rake work so it gets used about 10 months out of the year. Definently worth having a rebuilder rework your starter and generator. Of course it may have helped that I built a new wire harness for this tractor when I rebuilt it.
 

[FBH44]

Not at all familiar with JD, but on a different color tractor I got tired of the slow starter, so I re-ran the ground wire from the battery directly over to the starter mounting bolt. Made a HUGE difference, the old starter really spins now. The prlblem was the return current was trying to go through several rusty aras, flanges, other bolts., etc. Now it's not.
 

[Tx Jim]

[Mike M]

If it seems to drag it may just be the starter draging. The bushings can wear and let the armature drag. Best to catch this early before you fry the windings then it costs ALOT more to fix.