Massey 1526 won't start

bruinruin · Jan 24, 2022

I mean, it won't even turn over. It's like there's a safety switch that has failed. I've messed with the neutral switch and can hear what sounds like a contactor clicking when I play with the selector while holding the key to the starter position, leading me to think that the switch is working.

Operating the key to start as usual, I hear the clicking of the fuel pump, the glow plug light comes on and I get a single click that sounds like a contactor/solenoid, but no starter.

I pulled the starter so I could spin it just in case there was a bad spot on the armature, but after reinstalling it, nothing changed.

I'm a fairly handy guy and lifelong tradesman, but tractors aren't my specialty, especially when I have to work on it out in the snow, which is piling up and making me worry. I have to get this tractor running, so any tips or suggestions on commonly failing components would be greatly appreciated.

Scott

Dmacleo · Jan 24, 2022

you check seat switch and pto switch?

bruinruin · Jan 24, 2022

Dmacleo said:
you check seat switch and pto switch?

As much as I can. I don't know if the seat switch is a normally closed or normally open type, but I did operate the switch back and forth manually while turning the key, and it made no difference.

JWR · Jan 24, 2022

I have that "clicking but won't turn" disease with a Kubota BX2200. Not even in super cold. Many smaller tractors have an issue where the sequence of wire to the starter solenoid runs through so many safety interlocks, etc. that it is often deficient and not a good 12v by the time it gets to the primary side of the solenoid. Sorry to hear you pulled the starter! Have you tried putting a battery charger on it with a good heavy charging current for an hour or so ? [regardless of whether the battery is "good" or not.] Some chargers have the "100 amp plus" starter setting that one can use for a few moment too. I'd try that (which gets a little more voltage to the solenoid) and see if the starter turns. Of course everyone will point to cleaning and retightening the cables at BOTH ends and all that which with your background I assume you already did.

Dmacleo · Jan 24, 2022

really need voltmeter of starter while trying.
can mess with safety switches all day yet w/o knowing if starter had correct volts/amps its all just a guessing game.
you could have a bad switch OR a bad starter, listening for clicks will not help you and could waste money.

lpakiz · Jan 24, 2022

Put it in NEUTRAL, then jump the solenoid. That bypasses EVERYTHING, including the ignition switch.
Put it in Neutral!!!!

JWR · Jan 24, 2022

lpakiz said:
Put it in NEUTRAL, then jump the solenoid. That bypasses EVERYTHING, including the ignition switch.
Put it in Neutral!!!!

...and have the switch ON.

bruinruin · Jan 24, 2022

lpakiz said:
Put it in NEUTRAL, then jump the solenoid. That bypasses EVERYTHING, including the ignition switch.
Put it in Neutral!!!!

There are no exposed solenoid terminals on this tractor. The solenoid is attached to the starter and enclosed, unless I'm completely lost.

JWR · Jan 24, 2022

bruinruin said:
There are no exposed solenoid terminals on this tractor. The solenoid is attached to the starter and enclosed, unless I'm completely lost.

Digging into wiring harnesses is always fun. Surely there is a small gauge wire in the harness leading to the solenoid that normally should get 12v and trigger the solenoid in response to the key being turned to Start. If all that is encapsulated where you can't get to it ... hmmm I don't know. Anyway try the battery charger (which puts 13.8v or so on the cables) and see if it will trigger the solenoid and turn the engine then.