Branson 3110i wont start, just suddenly dead.

[Kingsson]

Greetings to all, and thank you to all for the various advice and hints that I’ve gleaned from these forums!

We have a Branson 3110i (4 years old this month) that just suddenly decided to not even TRY to start. It’s always worked great, and was working fine the day this started. My wife relates that when she turned it off, she heard a “click” type noise. Didn’t think anything of it until a couple of hours later when we tried to start it again. It won’t even turn over.

I’ve poured over all of the posts and checked just about everything. All of the safety switches, PTO switch, ignition switch all check good and in the right position. Still hear the plugs heating/clicking. Headlights work fine and DO NOT dim when trying to start. Battery cables and terminals checked and cleaned, and measuring just above 12V. Tried jumping to our truck with no effect (although the tractor battery was still connected). I note that the battery voltage does drop a bit when turning the tractor key to the run position.

I’d like to try bypassing the starter relay and such, but really can’t quite figure it out. Not as easy as on old cars. The starter and solenoid appear to be one assembly, and only one big cable from the battery to the starter is easily accessible. I’ve read where some folks here have jumpered the starter (the start solenoid?), but can’t figure it out myself.

So, I’m including a picture of the starter assembly. Any suggestions on how to jumper it or ‘cheat’ it to see if it is any good? Looks like removing it will be quite hard.

I’ve tried to be very thorough, but I’m dead ended at this point. Any input would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks to all.

 

[Stimw]

There should be a small wire under the starter but I can't see it in the pic. If you jump from that terminal to the large terminal it will engage the starter.
MAKE SURE IT IS NOT IN GEAR!!!!!
It sounds like one of the safety switches isn't working.
You need to have the moderator move this to the Branson forum.

 

[Kingsson]

Thanks I'll look.
I looked for but must have missed the Branson forum. thanks.

 

[Tx Jim]

Ditto on non operating safety switch.

 

[Kingsson]

A safety switch is the most obvious culprit, which is why I've thoroughly checked them. But they will all be checked again. Gotta figure out how to check the starter assembly (thanks Stimw for the input). The cost of those that I've found is unbelievable. Will try to find a rebuild if necessary.
The owners manual that came with the tractor is great if I want to learn how to turn on the headlights and other basics.
I have been unable to find ANY other information such as schematics or wiring diagrams or even a maintenance or repair manual or ANYTHING. This forum is the only place I've found any info at all. A lot of it very useful, and I'm grateful to all the contributors.
If I ever get this figured out, I'll post a detailed followup. Could be useful to someone else down the road.

 

[Texasmark]

They shouldn't be all that complicated. GM has used the solenoid starter unitized construction for several decades. However, on theirs you could get to the solenoid input and output terminal and thus short across it.

Your "other" terminal must be down inside. Do you have a manual with a wiring diagram? If so, I assume that connector just above the starter includes the starter solenoid wire that gets 12v when you want to energize the solenoid. If you can find the wire, if it doesn't have 12v on it when the key is in start then as others have said, you have a safety solenoid problem somewhere. On mine, I have 3: The glow plug ON, the clutch not depressed, and the PTO engaged. Don't know of any others.

If you have 12v and it's not a problem within that connector, I'd disassemble the starter looking for a smoking gun before I would even entertain the idea of another. If it were winter and your tractor had been sitting in a remote barn for a time I'd say rats got into your wiring harness somewhere. On pitting of the solenoid main contacts, don't see that as the problem as you would get some whirrrrrring of the starter rather than no reaction. Your solenoid is not being energized.

On the click your wife heard, hard to say what that was. But it may have been the mechanical connection to one of your safety switches breaking.

HTH,
Mark

 

[Kingsson]

Thank you Mark for your detailed input and advice. I appreciate it a LOT.
Yes, the click may or may not have anything to do with the problem. Today, I will be re-checking all safety switches, PTO and Ignition switch, and then work on the starter using the advice I've gotten here. I look forward to posting detailed good news on the situation.

 

[Stimw]

My 3510 also has a neutral switch on the shuttle shift.

 

[Texasmark]

My 3510 also has a neutral switch on the shuttle shift.

Yes. Forgot that one.

 

[Kingsson]

Thanks guys. I actually may have missed that one. Will update with any positive news or progress.