1410 starter problem

professor · Jan 19, 2009

I tried starting my 1410 today (30 degrees F). The starter started turning the engine over and when I turned the key off to rest the starter the starter kept turning. I pulled a battery cable off. There was some electrical smoke and the cable was hot. Thank you in advance for your help.

kenmac · Jan 19, 2009

sounds like something inside the starter stuck. I have taped on them with a dead blow hammer to get them un-stuck

California · Jan 19, 2009

Like kenmac said, it's most likely that the starter solenoid stuck. Pull the solenoid apart and clean up the contacts.

In most cases the solenoid is the smaller cylinder on top of the main starter motor and you don't need to tear down the whole starter. (Some cars have the solenoid separate, with a heavy cable going to the actual starter.)

If you don't find the solenoid burned and stuck, then the 'ignition' switch is a less likely culprit.

You could test the solenoid and the ignition switch with an ohmmeter first, to see which one is stuck in the engaged position.

Kenmac, I like your suggestion to rap the starter with a hammer as an emergency first-response remedy! When I was young and owned $100 cars, anything could happen. I could have used that advice on a couple of exciting occasions.

kenmac · Jan 19, 2009

California said:
Kenmac, I like your suggestion to rap the starter with a hammer as an emergency first-response remedy! When I was young and owned $100 cars, anything could happen. I could have used that advice on a couple of exciting occasions.

cal, I have done this more times than I can remember on autos,lawnmowers,& yes even tractors.

Some times that's all it takes & it never fails to start or disenguage again. Other times., I just had to replace starter/solenoid. Hopefully he can just clean everything up & all will be ok

MJPetersen · Jan 21, 2009

Usually this happens when (you are all dressed up to go somewhere, bu that is a different matter), when your battery is a bit weak, and you do not get the revs out of the starter and engine like would be normal. Make sure all your connections are clean and tight and that your battery is up to proper level of charge.

Did you mean 1401--I never heard of a 1410. The hammer on the solenoid will usually free it right up and if all else is up to par then it should work fine, but it is possible that you may have to take the solenoid apart to clean the contacts and the disk.

Mike