starting problem

[Anonymous-0]

I got ready to start my tractor today and it wouldnt start. Ive traced all my wiring and checked over everything twice. The solenoid mounted on the starter wont even actuate. If you take a hot wire and put on the small starting post it sparks as if there is a short. Also I checked to see if I had continuity between both the large neg post and the small and I do But I also have continuity between the small neg post and the small positive post. Am I headed in the right direction thinking its the large solenoid? Thanks for any advice

 

[Anonymous-0]

You didn't say which model tractor your starter was on.

In my own experience there was usually something wrong with the starter itself, or else it was hung in the ring gear. much more often than a solenoid bad.

 

[John T]

If the starter solenoid doesnt actuate (as you claim ???????????????), she cant ever crank, because hot battery voltage isnt getting relay/switched inside the solenoid from the big input stud over to the other big output (to starter) stud.

For the solenoid to actuate, the dash start switch (in start position) has to send hot voltage down to the solenoids small S activation terminal, PUT A TEST LAMP ON IT N SEE IF THAT HAPPENS when the siwtch is in Start????????

If the switch or wiring is bad the solenoid (if working and has a ground return) can be momentarily activated using a lil jumper wire from the big hot battery input cable stud on the solenoid over to its little S activation terminal. If its grounded and hot voltage on its small S activation terminal dont engage it THE SOLENOID IS BADDDDDDD

Its a lil dangerous and risky due to high current and sparking etc but jumper cables can be used to jump direct to the starter n see if she cranks cuz that by passes any solenoid problem.

I dont see many solenoid failures, YOU SURE ITS NOT ACTIVATING???????

If the solenoid works and or a direct jump to the starter still dont make her crank, the starter may be bad or mechanically stuck/jammed which loosening it temporarily or putting tractor in high gear n rocking the wheels may release........

ALSO a common cause of cranking failue is bad cables or connections or grounds sooooooooooo FIRST THING ID DO IS REMOVE, CLEAN N WIRE BRUSH, AND REATTACH EACH N EVERY BATTERY N STARTER N GROUND CABLE CONNECTION.......AND HAVE THE BATTERY LOAD TESTED IN CASE ITS THE PROBLEM.. See if a jump or another known good battery makes her crank????????

PS ohm meter checks on the starter show "almost" shorts, its a low resistance device ya know

John T Long retired Electrical Engineer in Indiana NOTE I havemt owned any Minni Moes in yearssssss so this info is basic and generic to solenoid equipped starters so no warranty lol