BX23 Starting

[rskeeler]

Hi all, new poster here, looked around and couldn't find answer to my specific problem. Have 2004 Bx23 with 800 hrs which I beat to **** and just keeps going. Aside from air filter support and light switches, I've had no problems, except 2 annoying issues. One, the darn key just drops right while the machine is running, surprised I haven't lost it yet. Two, when starting, I turn the key and it just clicks. Do it over and over, and it always eventually goes, probably takes 8 turns on average. Is this the solenoid? Occasionally I have problems with the safety lock-outs but in those cases there is no clicking, and I play with the seat, gear lever, or PTO lever and it gets resolved. Otherwise the machine is a beast. Many thanks to all of you.

 

[leonz]

About your tractor,

First you need a new key switch, and second

you need a new battery.:thumbsup:

 

[Kanook]

Your click when turning the key has in some cases been traced to a bad key switch and/or one of the safety switches. Check your voltage getting to the solonoid when you get the click. In some cases the voltage to the solonoid passes through the safety switches first...not sure about the B23 however..

 

[BigD23]

If you have the original battery, it may be time for a new one.

Don

 

[rlsmith]

Agreed with all above. Start with key switch. Contacts are worn and not getting full current through to safety switches then to solenoid. Lastly replace battery, they only last 3 to 5 yrs.

 

[rdsaustintx]

Hi all, new poster here, looked around and couldn't find answer to my specific problem. Have 2004 Bx23 with 800 hrs which I beat to **** and just keeps going. Aside from air filter support and light switches, I've had no problems, except 2 annoying issues. One, the darn key just drops right while the machine is running, surprised I haven't lost it yet. Two, when starting, I turn the key and it just clicks. Do it over and over, and it always eventually goes, probably takes 8 turns on average. Is this the solenoid? Occasionally I have problems with the safety lock-outs but in those cases there is no clicking, and I play with the seat, gear lever, or PTO lever and it gets resolved. Otherwise the machine is a beast. Many thanks to all of you.

:welcome:

I could have written this post. Same machine, same year, same number of hours and *exactly* the same problem with starting. It is intermittent (5% of starts), but it is NOT the safety switches because I can hear the solenoid or the bendix gear click in the motor compartment. Try it with the tranny in gear or treadle down and it doesn't click at all.

Agree with other posters here that it may be battery (mine is original), just not enough cranking voltage to move the starter. Because it is intermittent, have also wondered about the bendix, dry parts or the teeth interfering with the flywheel gear.

Am planning to sort this out during my winter maintenance. One more mow and machine will get a nice cleaning, pull all the cowls, replace battery, see what I can lubricate on the starter, etc. It has only been enough of a problem to annoy me, after a half dozen tries (along with a few dozen salty words) it finally starts.

You and I are both due for steering lines to go out. Keep an eye out for leaks.

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

Clean the battery terminals?

Z.

 

[rskeeler]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Although I am certainly due for a new battery (it's the original, 6.5 years old), I don't think it is the cause of the clicking as it's done it since year 2 or 3. Just the same, I'll replace, as it does sound weak and winter's acoming, and I don't want to be stuck with a dead battery for the first snowstorm.

Definitely not safety switches, as there is no clicking when they interfere (which is rare), and I don't do anything to resolve the clicking except keep turning til it starts, which it always does, just requires patience. I'd be interested what you find rdaustintx. My thinking that it had something to do with the flywheel or teeth not engaging, though I know very little about mechanics (I just do projects with the thing and cross my fingers and hope it keeps working)

I guess I'll also get a new key switch, as it sounds like that may solve both problems. I imagine I can replace it with my limited knowledge, as last thing I want to do is deal with the service dept at dealer. Thanks!!!

 

[rdsaustintx]

Yeah I really don't think it is my battery either. Reason is, it can sit for a couple of weeks and start fine. Then it will click away after hours of operation. And I have an upgraded alternator. It's just random.

I wonder if the bendix doesn't hit a gear tooth straight-on at random times. After a few bumps it engages. Need to get in there and look at it.