Ferguson tef 20 starting

[Dano41]

Hi,haven't posted on here for a long time so hello again.I was lucky enough to buy this tef 20 a couple of weeks ago it has been fully refurbished but has a slight problem.When I engage the starter first thing in the morning nothing happens but if I press the button on the solenoid a couple of times and then get back on the tractor and push the starter leaver it starts.As soon as the engine turns at all she starts even though it was almost freezing last week with no heat.Before I start digging does anyone know what may be wrong?

 

[Steve@Advance]

Sounds like they have added a solenoid and a start button/switch and kept the original lever as a neutral safety feature.

Keeping the original lever is a good thing, but why have both? The original contacts are capable of carrying full starter current, but were troublesome. If you want to keep it original, the solenoid could be simply eliminated. Or keep the solenoid, remove the start button, and use the original lever to actuate the solenoid.

Most likely the contacts on the start lever are dirty or out of adjustment. A simple cleaning and adjusting would be a good place to start.

Also check the battery cables for clean and tight, check the cable connections, check the ground cable. On a fresh restore, sometimes the paint works as an insulator under the ground cable or between the starter flange and the engine block.

 

[tractorsam]

The way the starter is set up on the TEF the starter is mechancically engaged and once it?s engaged then electricity is sent to turn it over. If a tooth on the starter pinion hits a tooth on the ring gear then the starter doesn?t get any power because the lever doesn?t travel all of the way.

There should be a spring in the linkage so that when two teeth touch the spring compresses and the starter switch gets pushed so the starter turns and the gears can engage. Next time try turning the engine a little by hand and see if it works then. The switch should be adjustable so it only gets pushed when the gears are engaged or the spring is fully compressed.

Good luck, Sam

 

[Dano41]

Thank you for taking the time to reply.Will check your suggestions.Can I just clarify that when I press the button on the solenoid its only a jab for a second and there is a quick spinning whirring sound but the starter isn't engaging then when I get back on the tractor and use the lever it will then start.Tractorsam would this this rule out "a tooth on the starter pinion hits a tooth on the ring gear"

 

[Bruce(OR)]

". . . when I press the button on the solenoid its only a jab for a second and there is a quick spinning whirring sound but the starter isn't engaging then when I get back on the tractor and use the lever it will then start. . ."

Press the button on the solenoid. . .?
The "quick spinning whirring sound" is the starter Bendix failing with age. A new one can be had from this site and requires removing the starter and replacing the part on the end.
Far more intelligent people should be along directly to assist you with that undertaking.

 

[tractorsam]

What you?re describing is exactly what I?m talking about. I?m going to try and post a link, please read John UK?s reply. It tells how to properly adjust the starter linkage and switch. There is probably nothing wrong other than it?s out of adjustment. Good luck. Sam

PS - I?m assuming you?re in the UK, where abouts?
nnalert adjustment info

 

[tractorsam]

Hi Bruce, the TEF is the diesel version of the TE 20 and uses a very different starter and drive mechanism. I believe the posters is simply out of adjustment. Also as he?s probably in the UK I doubt YT will ship to him. Unfortunately they won?t even ship to Canada. Sam

 

[Dano41]

Would anyone know the reason they added the solenoid?