1550 takes forever to crank - what's the deal?

[KennyV]

Re: 1550 takes forever to crank - what\'s the deal?

Hello again…
When you say you have 12 volts at the starter terminals, are you measuring the LARGE terminal and the small SPADE terminal…? The large comes from the battery (should have 12volts if the battery is charged); the small spade terminal should ONLY have 12volts when the key is turned and held in the start position. That is the terminal that activates the solenoid and engages the starter.
IF you are VERY CAREFUL you can jump across the large 12volt terminal to the spade terminal … IF your starter is ok IT WILL start the engine, SO be prepared for it and don’t run over your self because you have left it in gear…
The small cylinder is the solenoid the larger one is the starter… the starter has magnets inside that can crack if you strike the outside, so don’t hit it.
You have not given a clue as to how many hours are on this tractor; fill out your profile it will help guessing if you have need for brushes… KennyV.

 

[ratter]

Re: 1550 takes forever to crank - what\'s the deal?

Thank you guys for all of your help. Turns out it was the ignition switch itself. Power was getting to the starter from the battery, and the wire from the start to the ignition (through the safety switch) was fine. But the contact in the ignition switch itself was so corroded that it wasn't making contact most of the time (out of curiosity, I cracked open the ignition switch to check it out). I guess I'd just occasionally get lucky and a spark would make it through. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I removed the ignition switch and bridged the contacts manually with a piece of wire, and sure enough the starter started cranking right away. So I've got a new ignition switch coming any day now.

Sorry about the tractor hours Kenny V, but my hour meter (correct term?) and tachometer are both out. Those are next on the to-do list!

Thanks again guys,
-Mike

 

[KennyV]

Re: 1550 takes forever to crank - what\'s the deal?

Hello Mike…
Thanks for posting back with the cause of your problem /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif, (too many times you never see a follow up /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif) … glad you have a less costly fix for your starter troubles. KennyV.