TC33d - Possible starting problem fix

[MikeBurr]

For two years I, like others, have had problems with the tractor failing to start. I went through all the fixes that have appeared within the group, new key switch, new glow plug relay, added the extra relay to the starter, put in a new battery. But the tractor still would no start all the time. Many times it would just go click and not start. I had gotten use to turning the key as fast as I could in hopes of catching it just right to get the starter to engage. The problem was a little worse if the engine was warm.

To make a couple of years worth of trouble and costly parts, the final answer that I found that so far has cured my problems was to simply run a grounding wire from the metal firewall to the frame of the tractor. Now it starts every time with no problems.

Hope this helps someone that is having problems, wish I had done this to start with...

[jinman]

Mike, I have not looked on my tractor, but are you saying the firewall is not already grounded through its mounting hardware? My tractor will act up at least a couple of times per year and normally works after I tap on the solenoid, but I wouldn't guarantee anyone that's really associated with the problem.

[dford]

Jim, Ground is just as important as the feed but, you do not see the wirring going to the starter since you depend on metal connections that get rusty or loose over time. Click on start can be a numer of problems. Low voltage to starter solinode. Poor gound to solinode or starter. Starter could be loosing groung to solinode inside the starter. Measuring feed and gound on click to start will tell wich of three problems it is. Low feed to switch. Poor gound or internal starter problem. Hope this helps.

[MikeBurr]

I too would think that there is a firm metal to metal contact between the two parts, but maybe the the firewall is rubber mounted to keep the vibration down or some other part that connects the two has worn down. I seem to reminber that when I was trying some of the fixes that my volt meter would show a low value between a +12 volt contact and the firewall. Also it seems funny that everything worked great for the first 2 years that I had the tractor and then things started working off and on. For now, I hope the ground keeps working....

[dford]

Have you looked at a wirring diagram to trace ground side?

[jinman]

Originally Posted by MikeBurr

I too would think that there is a firm metal to metal contact between the two parts, but maybe the the firewall is rubber mounted to keep the vibration down or some other part that connects the two has worn down. I seem to reminber that when I was trying some of the fixes that my volt meter would show a low value between a +12 volt contact and the firewall. Also it seems funny that everything worked great for the first 2 years that I had the tractor and then things started working off and on. For now, I hope the ground keeps working....

Mike, you may have found the solution to many different intermittent problems associated with electrics. 1/2 of every electrical circuit is ground. If it is floating somewhere above actual frame ground, it sure ain't good.

[thclimer]

Hi Mike,

Can you take a picture of your added ground wire for all of us to see?

Tim

Originally Posted by MikeBurr

For two years I, like others, have had problems with the tractor failing to start. I went through all the fixes that have appeared within the group, new key switch, new glow plug relay, added the extra relay to the starter, put in a new battery. But the tractor still would no start all the time. Many times it would just go click and not start. I had gotten use to turning the key as fast as I could in hopes of catching it just right to get the starter to engage. The problem was a little worse if the engine was warm.

To make a couple of years worth of trouble and costly parts, the final answer that I found that so far has cured my problems was to simply run a grounding wire from the metal firewall to the frame of the tractor. Now it starts every time with no problems.

Hope this helps someone that is having problems, wish I had done this to start with...

[MikeBurr]

Don't think a picture is needed, I just took a length of normal plastic covered auto wire, cleaned the ends, loosen a bolt on the frame and the firewall, wraped the wire ends around the bolts and retighten the bolts. Got on the tractor and for a change it started right up.

[dqdave1]

isnt firewall plastic with metal inserts in plastic for bolts?

[cardenharry]

I am a big believer in the 30 amp relay that has been posted here in the past to fix this type problem. Mine has not failed since this was added. My relay is attached to the firewall and the ground wire is attached to a bolt below the clutch area.