gc1723e caught on fire (scary)

[oddodaoddo]

I woke up to 9F this morning. The tractor is about two years old, still under warranty. It would not start this morning (barely turning over). I tested the battery, down to 66%. Recharged it, started right up. 15 minutes later, I smell a weird smell. I see smoke coming out of the right side - the starter is on fire. I tried to shut off the tractor but turning the key all the way to the left did nothing. I grabbed the negative battery cable, yanked it out and it stopped. Ran to the house, got the extinguisher and took care of it. The fire was inside the starter, I could see the flames! The wires going into it burned as well.

Has anyone seen this on a new tractor? I have a 1969 Massey 150 diesel and the thing is solid, starts right up no matter what.

 

[ruffdog]

It almost sounds like the starter solenoid stuck on and ran your starter until it burned up. Check it to see.....

 

[s219]

It almost sounds like the starter solenoid stuck on and ran your starter until it burned up. Check it to see.....

Agree

 

[Dmacleo]

stuck solenoid.
yup.
been there on ford vehicles with remote solenoid.