Lucky to be ALIVE!!!

[yelbike]

Life is short. Then you're in the ground.

Now that's a good one! ROFL!

 

[yelbike]

Well, you might have the right idea, but your analogy is flawed :c). Problem is, most starter motors will draw a fair amount of current, over 150 amps is not uncommon for a starter turning a high compression (think diesel) or big displacement engine. Your wee little 50 amp fuse would blow if it were in the circuit when you "connect" the two heavy solenoid terminals with that wrench. But you are in luck, 'cause the negative terminal of the battery is connected to chassis ground, and the positive terminal has a heavy wire going from it directly to one of the big connectors on the solenoid. The other big solenoid terminal goes to the starter motor, of course, and the other starter motor terminal (internal and not exposed), is connected to chassis ground. For obvious high current reasons, no fuses are in the starter circuit in most every vehicle I'm aware of.

It's just like a loop (circuit) with the "open" in the circuit being between those two terminals on the solenoid (at least until there is voltage applied to the solenoid coil - usually from the starter switch). Connect them contacts one way or another and current (wee little electrons) can then flow from the negative terminal of the battery, through the chassis to the negative or ground side of the starter motor, through its motor windings to its positive terminal, and then through the solenoid contacts back to the positive terminal of the battery. (Note, this describes the more widely accepted "electron flow theory" as opposed to the out dated "conventional current flow theory", that has electricity flowing from battery positive to negative - confusing, I know).

In any case, connect battery positive or a wire connected to it, directly to chassis ground and you will get arcs and sparks, blown fuses or welding - - don't do it. Connect those two solenoid terminals (also sometimes called a contactor or relay) together and the starter motor turns - - if she's in gear things get dicey.

No electrons were harmed writing this post. This post contains no viruses, bugs, or misinformation, grammatical errors, maybe, but my hearts in the right place. May the electromotive force (EMF to you neophytes) be with you,

PS, If you don't really know how something works, it's usually safe to conclude it works by PFM (pure, xxxxing, magic).

bumper

My credentials? 8 years as a Navy electronics technician (63 to 70), founded and still own an electronics related company (kids run it now), licensed electrician, played with this stuff all my life. Disclaimer, none of this means I'm right . . . but I sure think I am.

Your correct there is typically no starter fuse, it was a simplified explanation.

 

[skyhook]

Your correct there is typically no starter fuse, it was a simplified explanation.

Thats right, but in this case, the solenoid became the fuse, it "fused" itself close.

bumperm is correct, at least we learned something about this "dam" starter.

Hey Gary, have you been able to get back on her yet,, and give it a good talking too.
I know I would, and if she gives you any of that attitude, get rid of her.

 

[Coyote machine]

Kiotis have a 60amp fuse in the starter circuit, as one example. Sorry to say, the solenoid did not become a fuse, and it didn't fuse itself closed either.:confused2: What bumperm said is the wrench completed the circuit to/through the starter, and because it was in gear it moved the tractor. End of story. Fini, complete, final, END.

 

[GolfAddict]

Kiotis have a 60amp fuse in the starter circuit, as one example. Sorry to say, the solenoid did not become a fuse, and it didn't fuse itself closed either.:confused2: What bumperm said is the wrench completed the circuit to/through the starter, and because it was in gear it moved the tractor. End of story. Fini, complete, final, END.

Well good! Now we can finally get to addressing him trying to start and run that tractor INDOORS!! :shocked:

(jk)

 

[skyhook]

and it didn't fuse itself closed either.:confused2:

Yes it did. So there.

 

[Big Barn]

. Hey Gary, have you been able to get back on her yet,, and give it a good talking too. I know I would, and if she gives you any of that attitude, get rid of her.

You're talking about the tractor, right...........?

Gary, I hope you're improving. Terry

 

[skyhook]

You're talking about the tractor, right...........?

Gary, I hope you're improving. Terry

LOL....maybe,,

 

[Garycw]

Whatever it was I just Don't want to do it again. I'm getting around better now every other day, and sore & tired the days in between. Trying not to over do it, but I am pushing it a bit. I've since put the two tractors and equipment I own there up for sale. The future of the farm is still up in the air, but doesn't look good. Such a shame after 4 years of hard work and construction/ remodel stress. Everything is basically done now and was time to enjoy a bit.
I have another dr apt on nov 20th, but if I'm feeling good I can't see going back. I'll probably skip it if all is well.
Be safe out there, don't take chances & shortcuts. And never let your woman forget how much you love her. You really don't know what you've got till its gone.

 

[skyhook]

I'm very happy to hear your doing well, Gary,
and sad in another way, Your absolutely right, we do, at times take things for granted,
I've seen a few broken hearts in my life time, not a pretty thing.
But I can assure you that in time, this will also heal, remember, your only 60 and still have allot
of spunk left in ya,
And plenty of friends here on this site. You take care, my friend.