BX1800 Starting Problem

[Dave A]

My 2003 BX1800 with 1,500 hours has starting issues. Although starting has been intermittent in the past, it now won’t start at all. I thought I had a problem with one of the safety switches. However, I’ve ruled that out because of the following. When I turn the key all the way to the start position, I get a click from the starter solenoid which seems to indicate all safety switches or acting properly since juice gets to the solenoid. If I place the tractor in gear so a safety switch is engaged, there is no clicking to the starter solenoid. Seems to me this would indicate either a bad solenoid or starter. I’d appreciate any thoughts.

 

[CurtisC]

You didn't say but assuming battery is good, check for loose or corroded connections at the battery and starter. Might be good enough to tigger the solenoid but not enough to turn the starter.

 

[KWentling]

Time for a voltage drop test. You'll need to pull the cowling off first thing so you can get to the starter and solenoid. On my BX22 the issue was not enough voltage on the solenoid trigger wire. (Black with white stripe I believe) When the ignition switch is put into the "start" position what voltage to you get? Mine was around 10 volts which was not enough to engage the starter. I put a slave "low voltage relay" on it to engage the solenoid. If that is the issue we can give instructions on how to do that. The next test (what I would do first probably) would be to jump the starter battery terminal to the solenoid terminal (the little spade terminal the black with white stripe is connected to) which will engage the starter provided you have good voltage all the way from the battery to the starter, and the starter and solenoid are good. Report back with results if more help is needed.