MF 245D Starter issue

[deafasapost]

Having problems starting my my early model MF245. While diagnosing, I had to start it by jumping across the positive and S terminals of the starter solenoid. Tractor always started right up. Last time, the small S terminal broke off when I tried to short it, so I purchased a new solenoid, but when installing it, I mis-wired to the R terminal instead of the S. I corrected the wiring, but now the tractor won't start. I have a good spark at the starter solenoid, but nothing from the starter solenoid or starter itself. Found the 20A fuse behind the panel was blown, but not sure if this was due to the mis-wire or not. Replaced that fuse but no change. Tractor starts easily by towing and popping the clutch in 5th or 6th gear. Can swapping the wire from the S to the R damage the solenoid or the starter?

PS I have since found the key switch and the neutral switch were also bad (tractor sat in the weather for several years). I have ordered replacements, but these are not part of the problem, as jumping across the solenoid bypasses all. Battery is strong, wiring tests good (no shorts).

 

[ptfarmer]

If you didn't try to start it with the wire on the wrong terminal it shouldn't have, but even if you did it shouldn't have hurt it (if it did hurt something it should smell like its been burned). Sadly with the way things are built these days the new solenoid could have been bad right out of the box.

 

[FBH44]

I have no idea if this is relevant, but on my 240-S I had electrical problems, could not figure them out. Horn would not work, a few warning lights, rear trouble light would not work, a few other things. None of the fuses shown in the electrical wiring diagrams were faulty. Searched and searched, come to find two mystery fuses in black twist-together fuse holders behind the dash. They were blown. Not shown on any wiring diagram. Replaced them, and all was fixed.

 

[2tractors]

My thinking is most tractor solenoids have only 3 posts which means it needs a grd. thru the mounting plate whereas a 4 post doesn't.

 

[deafasapost]

No smoke. No smell. When installing the solenoid, I noticed that the gasket is permanently compressed in places. It is possible that water infiltration has finally compromised the starter. Will replace the solenoid first ($16). If that doesn't work, I will pull the starter and have it tested.

I have not seen a replacement gasket sold on the internet. Can one be cut from "rubber" sheet stock, or is it a formed gasket? Obviously, the material would need to be able to handle the heat.

Next question - I'm new to this game and have no experience on working a tractor. When pulling the starter, How does it come out? The power steering pump is immediately in front of the starter so there is no room to slide it forward.

 

[ptfarmer]

You can cut a gasket out, and when pulling the starter it only has to come straight out for about 1/4 - 1/2" then you can move around to get it out. If you didn't get the solenoid yet I'd have the starter checked out (it wouldn't hurt).

 

[MF#1]

Should have 3 bolts holding it on, one has a nut, other 2 go in the housing. The bolt behind the starter housing is kinda hard to get to, I have to use a 6 inch extension, universal joint , and a deep socket to reach it. Once you get the bolts out there is enough room to remove the starter. Note which wire/cable comes off of what part when you take them off. If you have 2 small terminals on the solenoid you only use the inner(towards the engine) one for starting.

 

[deafasapost]

Here's an update on the starter issue. Wiring the solenoid backwards did not damage it. The problem turned out to be a short in the wire between the neutral switch and the solenoid. Apparently it was grounding out, preventing sufficient current from getting to the coil. All of the wiring is old and I am about to start rewiring the tractor. My schematic has wire colors, but not the wire gauges. Does anyone have a schematic marked up with wire sizes?

 

[ptfarmer]

I use 16 gage wire on everything except for the large 10 gage wire from the alternator. While 16 gage wire maybe oversize for some circuits it won't hurt it to be a little bigger wire than what it originally had.