Long 350 Starting Problem

[Anonymous-0]

Turning the switch to start only causes a click some times, the click is not coming from the solenoid on the starter but under the dash panel. A new heavy duty battery, new heavy duty cables, checked and cleaned all visible connections, including the ground connection but no change even with the charger set to the 200 amp start position. When it does start, it starts strong.

Is there another solenoid under the dash? Is my key switch bad & doing the clicking?

 

[Anonymous-0]

Do you have the original starter on it or has it been changed to a Bosch starter? I have never seen one with a solenoid any place other than on the starter. Take a screwdriver and jump across the 2 cables on the starter to bypass the solenoid and see if it goes. It may be worth it to take startewr off and have it checked. If you have the old type and plan on keeping the tractor and need a new starter, try to find a rebuilt Bosch starter. It is like going from a 6 to `12 volt system on an older tractor. Best of luck.

 

[Anonymous-0]

It is the original starter. I did short as you suggested and got almost no spark. I have started many an old chev or ford that way. I know the cable is good and I had plenty of power going thru it. I am to the point of changing the starter but did not want to spend the $200.00 +- for one. I will look for a Bosch replacement.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I don't mean to sound repetitive. If you had almost no spark, I would make absolutely sure you have all good connections and a good battery. I was thinking about this after my first post. A few years back after running my 360 all day, I went to start it the next day. It did the same thing yours is doing now, only it would not even click. I messed with it awhile, but finally called a buddy that works at a Long dealer. He said that I had a bad battery. He was right. It might pay to have it checked. It is easier to remove it that the starter. Those older starters turn much slower than a Bosch. You need a stout battery, especially if it is cold. Good Luck

 

[Anonymous-0]

Jim, I do appreciate your replies, you really helped me when I got this tractor with my hydraulic problems. The battery is less than a month old, and I did buy a load tester just to test it with. The battery is good and when the starter does turn it turns very good. I would have said the solenoid was bad if the shorting of the terminals had started the tractor, but it did not. I am now convinced that the starter is bad. But I still have not figured out why I hear a click in the dash. I will later today try to find a Bosch starter that will cross with mine. Thanks again for the help.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Just another thought... The clicking you describe bugs me. Do you think it would be worth it to pull the switches out, the key switch as well as the starter switch and jump across them? I have replaced one key switch on one of mine, the 360. Could the switch be arcing to ground or not making good contact?

 

[Anonymous-0]

Thats the second time I have heard key switch and start switch. I start mine with the key only, do not know what the other switches are or what they do!!!! I am going to take the dash out and check behind it. The clicking I do not understand, I will check connections and grounds. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Anonymous-0]

A 350 may be different from mine or it may have been changed at some point. Both of mine originally had a key switch at about your right knee. I turn the key one click to the right. Then engauge the starter with a lever switch on the flat part of the dash to the right of the steering wheel. My 360 now uses a key switch only since the original was replaced replaced.

 

[Anonymous-0]

The clicking you hear if you're turning your starter switch to the right is probably the solenoid that controls the preheater. Sounds like
a bad connection.Use a screwdriver and go from the small post on the starter solenoid to the hot cable if it doesn't spark you definitely have a connection problem.If it does spark but the starter doesn't engage then it sounds like a
starter solenoid problem

 

[Anonymous-0]

I was wrong. The lever switch is on the left side of the steering wheel on my 445. Sorry about that!

 

[Anonymous-0]

It's all working good right now! But I still took the dash out, checked all the wires, replaced a lot of bulbs and it still works. It looks like the key switch is a replacement one. The lever switch on the left side of the dash has some heavy wires going to it, it can be moved left or right of the spring loaded center. I assume it is the heating circuit. The lever switch below it appears to be the light switch. I am still going to search for a replacement Bosch starter.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Can not hear it now because everything is working. I am going to look for a new starter anyhow. I want to replace the original with a Bosch if I can find the right numbers. Thanks for the help

 

[Anonymous-0]

The lever switch on top beside the wheel is the original starter/heater switch. If the tractor was factory, you would have a key switch and a lever switch. Turn the key switch 1 click and hit the starter switch to start. Your gauges work here. Hold the starter switch in position just before activating the starter to use the heater, turn the key switch 2 0r 3 clicks and the lights and dash lights would come on. I think the other lever switch was for turn signals or flashers. I have seen some with them. I have overhauled the Romanian starter, but it is no fun. While it is working, take your time and see if you can find a good buy on one. I know I could get you one here. I can check price if you want me to.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Tomorrow, if I have time, I will play with the switches. I did see a turn signal flasher, so the one center loaded switch could be a turn signal switch. When I was younger I rebuilt several starters but not anymore, don't have to!
I am in no rush to replace the starter as long as it keeps working butI would like to get one lined up just in case.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Resistance anywhere in the circuit from battery to armature can cause this problem. If the brushes in the starter are worn out or not moving freely in their slides, they will damage the armature if not freed up or replaced; whichever is needed. We're all wishing you an excellent outcome at reasonable cost in time and money.

 

[Anonymous-0]

You are correct! I have eliminated as much resistance as possible up to the starter. The starter and Bendix are original equipment and are worn out! I will replace both of them shortly with the a Bosch, even though today it again started easy. By the way, I did work for 9 years in aircraft electronics when I was much younger, so I understand the basics. It's just hard figuring out the system without a wiring diagram. Thanks for the help, it is appreciated very much.