1920 engine will not turn over

[2dawoodz]

Friend's 1920 engine will not turn over. He replaced the battery. I confirmed continuity of the neutral safety switch. PTO is disengaged. What should I check next? Last time it ran was Sept 2017 so its been sitting a while. Thanks!

 

[RickB]

See if it turns over by hand. If not, remove the glow plugs or injectors and see if it turns over by hand.

 

[2dawoodz]

Sorry Rick but would you mind explaining turns over by hand? I am not much of a mechanic and have little experience with tractors. I am not hearing any sound coming from the starter.

 

[kirkawilson]

If the starter is not 'clicking', there is no battery current getting to the starter solenoid. If you are careful, with the tractor in neutral and ideally with a helper sitting in the seat, you can jump start between the battery connection post on the starter and the starter solenoid post. If the battery connection is good, it will spark and the solenoid will engage the starter and likely start the tractor, so be careful. If it does not turn over, (no spark or anything), the battery ground connection to the frame might need cleaning....shiny and tight.

 

[2dawoodz]

Thank you for the explanation. How would you go about making the connection between the battery connection post on the starter and the starter solenoid post?

 

[RickB]

Let’s back up another step. Do the dash lights come on when you turn the key?

 

[2dawoodz]

Yes, the oil and alternator lights come on as well as a 3rd light(? purpose) below the oil light. I have 12.2 volts at the starter positive post where the battery cable connects. No sound at the starter when like the solenoid engaging.

 

[kirkawilson]

I used a long screwdriver with a rubber handle to jump between the starter post and solenoid post. Just be extra careful because any time you start a tractor while out of the seat, the tractor can run over you or something worse! I just held the tip of the screwdriver onto the battery post and slowly slanted the screwdriver toward the solenoid post. It will spark and scare you but if the solenoid engages, there is a problem in your wiring harness somewhere. I eventually bypassed my harness and installed a push button starter on the dash with 12V wiring going to the two posts. Been starting flawlessly for 2 years.

 

[kirkawilson]

Also, if you want the engine to start, you must have the ignition switch in the 'on' (not start) position to open the fuel solenoid valve.

 

[2dawoodz]

I would like to check for continuity in the pto neutral swith but have been unable to locate it. Is it somewhere on top of the rear axle housing?