TC33DA - How to turn engine over by hand?

[RalphVa]

I used to rotate the crankshaft on our 65 hp 240D Benz with the fan blades to check the valves. Just press on the belt and use a fan blade down close to its shaft.

 

[rScotty]

I used to rotate the crankshaft on our 65 hp 240D Benz with the fan blades to check the valves. Just press on the belt and use a fan blade down close to its shaft.

I've done that on a lot of engines. Sometimes it works. Worth a try.
Most starter problems that are not battery & cable related are actually solenoid problems and not in the starter motor at all.
rScotty

 

[Gator6x4]

The "Clunk" sound the OP is getting could also mean the engine is Hydro locked. If mine I would place a socket on the crankshaft bolt lead and use a breaker bar to rotate the engine to see is the engine rotates freely.

 

[rScotty]

The "Clunk" sound the OP is getting could also mean the engine is Hydro locked. If mine I would place a socket on the crankshaft bolt lead and use a breaker bar to rotate the engine to see is the engine rotates freely.

Nothng wrong with doing that, but hydro locking is much more rare and a much bigger deal than an electrical problem. If he can turn the engine a few degrees with fan and belt or socket I'd do that too.

The noise of a solenoid closeing is pretty distinctive - plus you can put your hand on it. Normally you don't hear the solenoid because the starter begins turning a fraction of a second later and drowns it out. The fact that he can even hear the solenoid enough to identify it means that the solemoid is not passing current.

If it clicks, the solenoid either has burnt internal contacts or is not getting starter amps in the first place.
The standard test is to take a battery jumper and jump from positive on battery to the starter heavy amp input terminal. If it cranks, it is the solenoid. If not, it's elsewhere.

Next test is jump with a known good battery and cables. If it still doesn't crank it is the starter, usually the brushes.
Either one is a quick diagnosis followed by a quick easy repair. Done dozens.

 

[Gator6x4]

Nothng wrong with doing that, but hydro locking is much more rare and a much bigger deal than an electrical problem. If he can turn the engine a few degrees with fan and belt or socket I'd do that too.

The noise of a solenoid closeing is pretty distinctive - plus you can put your hand on it. Normally you don't hear the solenoid because the starter begins turning a fraction of a second later and drowns it out. The fact that he can even hear the solenoid enough to identify it means that the solemoid is not passing current.

If it clicks, the solenoid either has burnt internal contacts or is not getting starter amps in the first place.
The standard test is to take a battery jumper and jump from positive on battery to the starter heavy amp input terminal. If it cranks, it is the solenoid. If not, it's elsewhere.

Next test is jump with a known good battery and cables. If it still doesn't crank it is the starter, usually the brushes.
Either one is a quick diagnosis followed by a quick easy repair. Done dozens.

Agree with your post. The fact it is an older unit was hot when turned off and has been setting and the "Clunk" sound could be the starter engaging and the engine not rotating because a defective head gasket filled one of the cylinders with coolant while setting. If one can rotate the engine would eliminate this possibility and as you say focus the probability of the no start problem being the starter.

 

[rScotty]

Agree with your post. The fact it is an older unit was hot when turned off and has been setting and the "Clunk" sound could be the starter engaging and the engine not rotating because a defective head gasket filled one of the cylinders with coolant while setting. If one can rotate the engine would eliminate this possibility and as you say focus the probability of the no start problem being the starter.

Yes, after a lifetime of mechanical work we learn to include preface each diagnosis with "probably".

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I would think you could engage the PTO and put a stub PTO shaft on it and then turn it with a pry bar or wrench if you are just wanting to nudge the crankshaft. Remember to turn it clockwise looking at the shaft. I hope you are not trying to start it this way, so make sure key and fuel are OFF.

That'll be kinda hard since engine turns three times faster than pto.

 

[tmeric7]

13V seems pretty good, but I'd measure that when trying to start the tractor. Seeing what the battery can produce under load is helpful in this case.

As was mentioned, battery cables on these tractors have given others problems. When I added my starter relay I also replaced the cable ends for good measure.

 

[CycloneDr]

Hello all,

The new starter arrived today. Took about an hour to replace. The tractor fired right up. Runs beautifully.

 

[thclimer]

Thanks for letting us know what fixed your issue and hope you can put many more trouble free hours on your TC33DA.