1100 electrical problem

[dan mc dougal]

I'm requesting some help regarding my MF 1100 tractor. I cut about 8 acres of hay the other day. Tractor started and ran fine the entire time, brought it back to the barn let it cool down for a bit at idle then shut it off. Went to restart to move about 10 minutes later and it just clicked. Never had a problem with the tractor starting, always started and ran great. Cleaned all battery connections on battery,starter,ground etc. Put charger on both batteries,seem o.k. Used 250 amp battery booster to attempt jump still nothing. Lights also seem dim even with battery booster on. Starter does turn it over very,very slowly with booster on it. Anyone have any ideas??? Could use some help with this one.

 

[DavidP,South Wales]

Hi Dan,
How old are the batteries? Are they the same age?
I would suggest that you have one faulty battery.
If this is the case the faulty one will absorb power from the other one. If yoy are able to remove the battery caps charge them seperately and look to see if one or more cells in one of the batteries is/are gassing more vigorously than the other. Do you have access to a heavy discharge battery tester? This would be a more positive test.
DavidP

 

[dan mc dougal]

Thanks David, The batteries are the same type and age but I will check that out. I'll let you know after I check.

 

[[email protected]]

If its just clicking and the batteries are presumed good, then I would be looking at the solenoid on the starter as a probablility. There is a copper washer inside in which current passes to energize the starter. I have seen these get pitted and do exactly what you describe. There is no cleaning to them. Not a major issue to change on the 11xx series tractors.

 

[a.rothermel]

its prolly the selenoid. We had the same problem on our 1080. All we had to do was tap the selenoid with a hammer while holding the key so it will start. (so you need 2 ppl). In the long run you probably need your starter rebuilt.

 

[dan mc dougal]

Thanks guys for the help. Replaced both batteries and it started right up. Voltage regulator seems to be acting up, gauge jumps all over when it's running. I think it overcharged the batteries while I was cutting hay last time. I ordered a new one and will install it this week and see what happens. Dealer agreed he thinks this is the problem also. We'll see. Thanks again for your responses.