9n, 12v starter issues

[robertIL]

I have a 9n ('40 #44099) that has been converted to 12v. I was troubleshooting whether or not I was getting spark at the plugs because the tractor would not start. I went through 3 of the plugs (received faint-moderate spark), but when I turned the key back on for the fourth plug, I heard a quick spark/crackling sound near the battery compartment. Next, the starter button would not turn the engine. I tried using a jumper cable to jump the starter directly from the battery, but no joy. The starter didn't make any sound and there was no spark like I would have expected it to make by jumping directly. I hit the starter with a hammer a couple of times, but still nothing.

I'm assuming my starter has finally died, but I'm also surprised that there was no sound or spark when I jumped it directly.

I should also add, that it's the original 6v starter.

Thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Non-farmer]

I have a 9n ('40 #44099) that has been converted to 12v. I was troubleshooting whether or not I was getting spark at the plugs because the tractor would not start. I went through 3 of the plugs (received faint-moderate spark), but when I turned the key back on for the fourth plug, I heard a quick spark/crackling sound near the battery compartment. Next, the starter button would not turn the engine. I tried using a jumper cable to jump the starter directly from the battery, but no joy. The starter didn't make any sound and there was no spark like I would have expected it to make by jumping directly. I hit the starter with a hammer a couple of times, but still nothing.

I'm assuming my starter has finally died, but I'm also surprised that there was no sound or spark when I jumped it directly.

I should also add, that it's the original 6v starter.

Thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.

Are you sure your battery is fully charged? 12.7 volts is what it should be.

 

[robertIL]

Are you sure your battery is fully charged? 12.7 volts is what it should be.

Yes. Brand new battery, installed yesterday and tested with voltmeter.

 

[Non-farmer]

In that case, I'd start with the basics. Check, clean, and tighten all of your primary connection points. That's positive cable, at battery and starter, and negative cable, at battery and ground point. You should not be getting any sparks at or near the battery.

 

[Non-farmer]

PS: the spark(s) could be an indication of a bad cable end. They can be sneaky. Inspect them carefully.

Edit: For what it's worth, since you mentioned it, I've been running a 12 volt conversion with a 6 volt starter for 10+ years now. No problems.

 

[teddy52food]

I have a 9n ('40 #44099) that has been converted to 12v. I was troubleshooting whether or not I was getting spark at the plugs because the tractor would not start. I went through 3 of the plugs (received faint-moderate spark), but when I turned the key back on for the fourth plug, I heard a quick spark/crackling sound near the battery compartment. Next, the starter button would not turn the engine. I tried using a jumper cable to jump the starter directly from the battery, but no joy. The starter didn't make any sound and there was no spark like I would have expected it to make by jumping directly. I hit the starter with a hammer a couple of times, but still nothing.

I'm assuming my starter has finally died, but I'm also surprised that there was no sound or spark when I jumped it directly.

I should also add, that it's the original 6v starter.

Thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.

What you heard was a bad connection asking for help!

 

[Eman85]

My original 6V starter gave up this winter, it's been 12v since I bought it almost 40 years ago.
ASSume and you'll be buying parts that may cause more problems than you have already. Check the battery, clean all ends of the battery cables bot positive and negative. Check voltage at the solenoid and check the connections from the starter to the solenoid.

 

[Jim L WA]

I just want to add that dirty or loose battery connections will pass good volt readings on a volt meter but will not pass the current needed for the starter.

 

[robertIL]

Thank you all. I disconnected every single electrical connection in the battery area, cleaned and added dielectric grease to them. I also replaced both battery cables - both showed damage. The starter cranked wonderfully. Thank you again.