John Deer MT Starting & Serial Number

[NewOldFarmer]

Good evening, all, well I guess I am a glutton for punishment so this summer I picked up a 2nd 8N and a 1951 John Deer MT. I plan to work on them this winter and get them all dressed up, both run and are in pretty good shape.. My MT needs a head gasket, and I did drag a harrow on my small field with it this summer, so it seems to be functioning well. Since I bought it it has always started but this past weekend it started, then shut off and when I tried to restart it it did nothing. No clicking at the starter nothing. I am moving it up to my shop so I can start working on it, BUT I am not familiar with the starter switch on top of the starter. Before I start testing I was just wondering if anyone has had a similar issue. Also, on a much lighter note, I would like to add my Tractors SN's to the registry but all I get is a blank page. Does anyone know what to do to add SNs to the site? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jim.ME]

I believe the Tractor Registry is no longer working.

I would not expect clicking at the starter with a mechanical starter switch. The MT starter switch has a contact inside it which mates with the contact on the starter, when you pull the starter rod. Those switch contacts get burnt and have trouble making contact when the burning gets bad enough. Removing the switch and cleaning the switch contact and the starter contact may get it working again. You might need a new switch. Worst case is the starter contact needs to be replaced as well. When you pull the rod to start pull quick and firmly and hold it tight to maintain a good connection and reduce damage to the contacts.

 

[NewOldFarmer]

I believe the Tractor Registry is no longer working.

I would not expect clicking at the starter with a mechanical starter switch. The MT starter switch has a contact inside it which mates with the contact on the starter, when you pull the starter rod. Those switch contacts get burnt and have trouble making contact when the burning gets bad enough. Removing the switch and cleaning the switch contact and the starter contact may get it working again. You might need a new switch. Worst case is the starter contact needs to be replaced as well. When you pull the rod to start pull quick and firmly and hold it tight to maintain a good connection and reduce damage to the contacts.

Thanks for the info. I'll check it tomorrow.

 

[mike in new mexico]

Thanks for the info. I'll check it tomorrow.

on the mt there is a fuse in the battery box that commonly goes out. Sometimes it is pushed inside the space behind the guages. If it is blown, the starter and lights will not work. Mike

 

[Mark-Ia]

Loosen the starter and make sure the bendix isn't stuck in the flywheel.

 

[Jim.ME]

on the mt there is a fuse in the battery box that commonly goes out. Sometimes it is pushed inside the space behind the guages. If it is blown, the starter and lights will not work. Mike

I can see how the fuse could prevent an M series tractor from running as the fuse provides power to the ignition system, but you will need to explain how the fuse will keep the starter mounted saddle switch (mechanically operated by a pull rod) from operating the starter.