JWR
Elite Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2011
- Messages
- 3,749
- Location
- So MD / WV
- Tractor
- MF 2660 LP, 3 Kubota B2150, Kubota BX2200, MH Pacer, Gravely 5660, etc.
There are 2 things that are grossly simple and no-cost that you should try.
1) Many small tractors fail to get the full 12v to the solenoid so the starter never turns. Quick/easy is to connect a battery charger to the battery terminals. That gives you around 13.8v there as opposed to 12v. It MAY then start for you. Of course you need to do all the ground cable checks, cleaning terminals and all that. There are around 4 or 5 places/safety interlocks each of which is allowed to drop the voltage 0.5v within spec. This "apply battery charger" method can overcome that sequential voltage drop. If that works (besides cleaning all connections, etc.) they do sell a "hard start kit" which bypasses all those interlocks for solenoid voltage. I had one installed on our BX2200 this spring (which was a nuisance until then, would not start about every 3rd time I went to it...) and now it starts every single time.
2) If that fails, take a long solid metal rod (about like a long socket set extension) and place one end of it on the body of the starter motor. (Often tight and hard to reach, often a vertical narrow way to reach it with your hood up.) Rap the end of the rod lightly with a hammer -- idea being to deliver a mechanical shock to the starter. Older starter motors (specifically on an older Kubota B2150 I have for example) develop that disease. Try it 2 or 3 times if first rap doesn't work. If that's it then do the usual glow plug and turn the key and it will start.
1) Many small tractors fail to get the full 12v to the solenoid so the starter never turns. Quick/easy is to connect a battery charger to the battery terminals. That gives you around 13.8v there as opposed to 12v. It MAY then start for you. Of course you need to do all the ground cable checks, cleaning terminals and all that. There are around 4 or 5 places/safety interlocks each of which is allowed to drop the voltage 0.5v within spec. This "apply battery charger" method can overcome that sequential voltage drop. If that works (besides cleaning all connections, etc.) they do sell a "hard start kit" which bypasses all those interlocks for solenoid voltage. I had one installed on our BX2200 this spring (which was a nuisance until then, would not start about every 3rd time I went to it...) and now it starts every single time.
2) If that fails, take a long solid metal rod (about like a long socket set extension) and place one end of it on the body of the starter motor. (Often tight and hard to reach, often a vertical narrow way to reach it with your hood up.) Rap the end of the rod lightly with a hammer -- idea being to deliver a mechanical shock to the starter. Older starter motors (specifically on an older Kubota B2150 I have for example) develop that disease. Try it 2 or 3 times if first rap doesn't work. If that's it then do the usual glow plug and turn the key and it will start.