Bad Starter?

[schmeal]

I have a Mahindra 2615 (bought it in 2007, so probably a 2006/2007). Went to start it last week it was "cold" for North LA, turned it on, waiting for my glow plug indicator, turned the key, tried to start, turn over, but doesn't start (does this when it is cold, all the time), turn the key off, then turn it back on and it normally starts right up. This time, I don't think I waited for the starter to completely disengage, and turned the key and heard a loud pop and now nothing. No power at all. Checked the battery and all fuses with the multimeter, and they are good.

So maybe a bad starter? Anyway to test it before buying a new one (which looks to be around $200?) I have some basic mechanic skils., oil changes, belt changes, etc is about my skill set, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[HamishMacCheap]

My mechanical skill set is about the same as yours but could you remove the starter and do a bench test? Put power to the positive and negative posts. If it is in fact a bad starter, do auto electric shops still exist which may be able to rebuild the starter? In today's throw away society, you can't seem to find radiator shops and such but if you do find the starter to be bad, a rebuild might be more economical than purchasing a new starter.

Good luck in resolving the issue.

 

[dodge man]

Nothing at all as in no light or anything? The pop makes me think a main fuse or fusible link.

 

[schmeal]

Nothing at all as in no light or anything? The pop makes me think a main fuse or fusible link.

No lights at all. That was my thought too on the pop, but I checked all the fuses, visually, then with a multimeter.

 

[JeepHead]

I have a Mahindra 2615 (bought it in 2007, so probably a 2006/2007). Went to start it last week it was "cold" for North LA, turned it on, waiting for my glow plug indicator, turned the key, tried to start, turn over, but doesn't start (does this when it is cold, all the time), turn the key off, then turn it back on and it normally starts right up. This time, I don't think I waited for the starter to completely disengage, and turned the key and heard a loud pop and now nothing. No power at all. Checked the battery and all fuses with the multimeter, and they are good.

So maybe a bad starter? Anyway to test it before buying a new one (which looks to be around $200?) I have some basic mechanic skils., oil changes, belt changes, etc is about my skill set, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Check cables at the battery and ground strap at frame.

 

[Harry in Ky]

No lights at all. That was my thought too on the pop, but I checked all the fuses, visually, then with a multimeter.

So you checked fuses with a meter? Did you switch the meter to DC volts to see if there was power to any of them? I tend to agree with JeepHead. You need to revisit all four battery cable connections. Don't just look at them, take them loose then tighten them up. See what that changes.

 

[dodge man]

If nothing is coming on with the key I doubt it’s your starter.

 

[skramer360]

Don't many tractors have a fusible link in the positive wire going to the ignition switch and or starter solenoid? I would check for that.

 

[schmeal]

So you checked fuses with a meter? Did you switch the meter to DC volts to see if there was power to any of them? I tend to agree with JeepHead. You need to revisit all four battery cable connections. Don't just look at them, take them loose then tighten them up. See what that changes.

Yes, checked with a meter, but just the fuses and the battery, I hope to be able to work on it this weekend. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[etpm]

That pop you heard is most likely a bad high amperage connection. The pop sound was from an arc. A common problem is the battery ground cable. Disconnect the ground cable from the frame and clean both the frame and the cable end. Don't just look at the connection, clean it. Feel along both of the battery cables for soft spots while manipulating the cables. Soft spots could indicate a cable corroded inside the insulation. Inspect the positive battery cable where it connects to the starter. Disconnect and clean this connection. My bet is a bad ground connection. Please let me know if I am wrong.
Eric