Can't start it! $&$@@&##!

[OldMacBarber]

New to the forum, my name is Josh. Have a '92/93? MF 1260 sn JH2010. I can't get the darn thing to start. I've looked at everything I can think of and can't come up with any logical reasons as to why it doesn't go vroom. I've ensured all electrical components are putting out appropriate voltage, and the battery is good. So here are the symptoms.

Turn key to Acc. and glows plugs warm/dash lights come on. Then when I attempt to turn over the motor I get nothing, and it kills everything electrical; ie dash lights go out, fuel pump stops ticking ect... It almost seems as though it's shorting somewhere and I'm leaning towards a junk safety switch? If anyone has had this experience or any advice I'd love to hear it. I've also taken a test light to the ignition switch and it seems as though all is in working order there, and the starter was taken out and jumped and works fine. I'm lost. Thanks for reading, let me know what you think.

 

[deerseeker001]

Welcome from Wisconsin,hang on someone will have a idea.

 

[puckgrinder85]

How did you test the battery? Is the starter motor actually trying to engage when you key it up to start?

- Keep your volt meter on the battery to see what it does when you go to crank it for the first step.

- Can you rotate the engine over physically? Maybe the piston rings are rusted to the cylinder wall if it has sat for a while.

 

[Hill Farmer]

Ground issue perhaps?

 

[KubotainNH]

First off, clean the terminals and battery posts, make them shine. That clears up most of these issues where the starter pulls so much current that a dirty connection cannot let it all flow and the circuit opens. Shut the key off and it often comes back enough for the lights but then happens again when you hit the starter. If after cleaning it still does it then follow the ground wire to where it attaches to the chassis and remove/clean/reattach.

 

[paulfun9]

It sure sounds like a short in the battery cables to me. I would replace both positive and negative battery terminals and cables.

 

[skyhook]

Welcome Josh,,
the more info you give us, the better and quicker the outcome.
Is this a new machine to you?
Did it ever run since you've had it?
Are you getting 12.5 volts on the battery?
Have someone take a voltage reading while you attempt to turn over the engine also.

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

Check all safety switches and make sure pto not engaged more info is also useful.

 

[paulfun9]

. Then when I attempt to turn over the motor I get nothing, and it kills everything electrical; ie dash lights go out, fuel pump stops ticking ect... .

This statement is the key to diagnosis If it was a safety switch or something of the sort you would not loose all other electric like dash lights when you try to start it.

 

[Jay4200]

Turn key to Acc. and glows plugs warm/dash lights come on. Then when I attempt to turn over the motor I get nothing, and it kills everything electrical; ie dash lights go out, fuel pump stops ticking ect... It almost seems as though it's shorting somewhere and I'm leaning towards a junk safety switch? If anyone has had this experience or any advice I'd love to hear it. I've also taken a test light to the ignition switch and it seems as though all is in working order there, and the starter was taken out and jumped and works fine. I'm lost. Thanks for reading, let me know what you think.

If your starter is OK, then either your battery is junk, you have a loose battery cable, or you have a dead short in your ignition (unlikely). Tighten up the battery cables and try. If no-go, then put a voltmeter on your battery and watch the voltage when you turn the key - if it drops to <6V, you need a new battery. If you put in a new battery and the same thing happens, you have a dead short in your ignition. I suspect loose cables or a bad battery.