mf 3165

[josefjosef]

I have an older, gas MF 3165 tractor that developed a major electrical problem. Whe I turn the ignition key to first position, all the gages work perfectly. However when I turn the key to start ( crank ) position I blow a fuse. It sounds like a ground problem. Would anyone know where I should start looking before I start looking? It is 2F cold outside, so the less time I spend there the better. Many thanks. Josef
 

[Mike (WA)]

Guess I don't know what you mean by "it sounds like a ground problem"- to me it sounds more like a dead short somewhere. "Ground problem" is usually that the circuit won't work at all- the opposite of the circuit shorting out and blowing the fuse.

Which fuse do you blow? Many circuits are activated when you turn the key to the crank position- you need to isolate which circuit is defective, then trace it down.

Another thing to do before getting too far into it is to remove the starter and have it tested.
 

[Tony in Mass.]

Sounds like a question for the Massey forum in the bar above. I would begin by looking in a wiring diagram, which I am certain someone on there can forward to you if you do not own a manual. My guess is the starter or solinoid has a short. I posted pics of my 3165 earlier.
 

[wisbaker]

it is a ground problem- somewhere a hot wire is grounded!!!!
 

[Dr. Walt]

I had the exact same problem on my 1988 GMC 2500 Pickup. I checked out "everything", so I thought, but still couldn't find the problem. Turns out it was the Ignition Switch itself, once I replaced the switch - PROBLEM SOLVED !
 

[josefjosef]

Thanks to all that replied. J