Battery problems

[68_f100]

I am helping a guy out on a 48 n with 12v conversion. The issue is the starter. Once in a while he will start the tractor and get this nasty smell from the battery. After that the battery is toast. Next time you try and start it the battery will just hiss and the starter will click. Swap batteries and all is better untill the next time it happens. It's a rebuilt starter from a mom and pops starter shop. They have tested it and say everyting is fine. But he has been through 3 batteries this summer. Does it sound like the starter is the issue?

 

[Dell (WA)]

F100.......sounds like the 3-terminal starter mounted solenoid is sticking closed and DISCHARGING the battery thru the starter motor. And yer smelling sulfuric acid (battery acid) boiling 'cuz of the FAST and continuous discharge. REMEMBER; the 3-terminal solenoid is operated by GROUNDING the little middle terminal with the BIG tranny starter push-button. Check-REPLACE the wire between the little middle terminal and the tranny switch 'cuz sounds like you could have an insulated SHORT in yer wire. Ittza 2-screw, 2-terminal, 15-minute job to do it right 'stedda playing guessing games ........Dell

 

[souNdguy]

could also be bad connections at the solenoid too..

soundguy

 

[68_f100]

(quoted from post at 09:28:40 09/08/09) could also be bad connections at the solenoid too..

soundguy

I did notice that at some point his + wire from his batt to the starter has touched the solenoid. It has a burnt spot on the housing. Can this be replaced with a car type solenoid?

 

[Dell (WA)]

F100.......ALWAYS use the 3-terminal tractor SAFETY solenoid.......NEVER the 4-terminal automotive starter solenoid. Understand???

And an "arc-spot" on the solenoid can ain't gonna hurt 'nuttin' inside the can. ......Dell

 

[68_f100]

Ok fellas thanks for the help. I will have him order a new solenoid and see if that helps.

 

[Anonymous-0]

100 you could check the current draw of your starter with a amp meter.I think it's around 150 give or take 50,but what ever the rating of the starter it should not exceed that rating.150 amps is a lot of current that's why electrical connections can be comprimised.When a battery starts expanding stinking and hissing the next thang could be BOOM.