battery charged but not cranking

[bforr]

1984 Ford 1520
cranked right up at the end of fall last year. battery dead now. charged it. checked it with a meter. Registered 12+ volts. turned the key and the glow plug lit up. Then nothing. Checked the battery connections. The negative was able to be twisted slightly so i tightened it. Still nothing. Checked the wiring at the starter. It registered just under 12v. Sometimes the glow plug lit sometimes not. Only once did it sound like the starter wanted to do something. I'm guessing the starter is bad. How do I test it? Any other ideas on what may be the problem?

 

[mjonesnh]

1984 Ford 1520
cranked right up at the end of fall last year. battery dead now. charged it. checked it with a meter. Registered 12+ volts. turned the key and the glow plug lit up. Then nothing. Checked the battery connections. The negative was able to be twisted slightly so i tightened it. Still nothing. Checked the wiring at the starter. It registered just under 12v. Sometimes the glow plug lit sometimes not. Only once did it sound like the starter wanted to do something. I'm guessing the starter is bad. How do I test it? Any other ideas on what may be the problem?

Fully charged battery should read 12.6-12.7 volts. If less than 12 volts would suspect battery not up to snuff. Can you load test battery?

 

[bforr]

Ah. I'll check it out next weekend when i go back. Thanks for the reply.

 

[grsthegreat]

Ya, i think battry is also shot. Also test battery voltage WHILE trying to start tractor. This will tell you if the battery is tryly shot

 

[ChiefBodie]

A depleted battery can more easily freeze than a charged one.

 

[bforr]

Ya, i think battry is also shot. Also test battery voltage WHILE trying to start tractor. This will tell you if the battery is tryly shot

I didn't know to do that. Thanks.

 

[thclimer]

I didn't know to do that. Thanks.

You would need two people, one to watch the voltmeter attached to the battery, while the other turns the key, or a device that can engage the starter with push button similar as below:

 

[mrmikey]

As others had said, your battery's toast. I use the analogy take 8 1-1/2V D cell's hooked in series and measure the voltage, it'll be over 12V. The reason it won't turn over an engine is the available amperage, somewhat same deal with your tractor battery.

 

[Williy]

You said the cables were loose did you clean them before
tightening them??

willy

 

[Harry in Ky]

I didn't know to do that. Thanks.

Before you condemn the battery, have you checked the ground cable where it bolts to the tractor? That's also a common problem with intermittent and/or poor starter response. Loosen the bolt, work the cable back and forth then tighten the bolt and try the starter again.