Can an old lady get her MF1250 to start?

[dieselcrawler]

Wow... what a thread. I read the first few post a few days ago, when a few post was all there was... today there's 10 pages!

The helpfulness and knowledge shared here is why I am part of this group. Great job to all... glad to hear the OP got her tractor going. Doesnt matter who you are, havin your stuff broke down ain't fun.

I'm an electrician by trade, so tracing wires and troubleshooting the unseen issues is something I do daily. I'm stuck on 2 things. A comment... 'I dont use the PTO and wouldn't know where to turn it on' and the overall idea that this is related to a safety switch. Before rigging up a bypassed manual start button, make sure the pto is not ingauged, the bypassed seat safety switch is still in proper order, and any other switches in the start circuit are functioning properly. Like the jumper for the starter, saftey switches can be bypassed for test perpouses in a similar manner.

I'm not saying to not install the bypassed push button starter switch... I've done it myself when needed. But finding the real issue is getting very close from what I can tell by reading this thread, and over all its better to have the factory wiring in working order.

Best of luck!

 

[KubotainNH]

I'm not saying to not install the bypassed push button starter switch... I've done it myself when needed. But finding the real issue is getting very close from what I can tell by reading this thread, and over all its better to have the factory wiring in working order.

Absolutely. The fix could be as simple as playing with the PTO lever while holding the key to the start position. Easy enough to hit a lever when getting off a tractor.

 

[rsallen]

Okay all, I revisited some schooling I know I had some place along the line but never bother with since but this how to figure what the particular solenoid uses for current (amps).
Current= v/r That is volts divided by the resistance.
So mare if it's important to you, use your multi meter to measure the resistance of the magnetic coils, ummmm that's that dar spade connector on the solenoid and the body of the starter then divide that number into 12 and you have the amperage you need to cover.

I think I've got that right.

 

[Old Gray Mare]

... By the way, stranded wire for this not solid.

Here's a couple videos that may be helpful.

Auto Install - How to solder and heat shrink wires together - YouTube
Tutorial: How to crimp connectors, strip wire and use heat shrink. - YouTube

You read my mind since I watched those videos last night! Now I know what shrink tube is and I *think* there's some of those crimp connectors in my stash. I'm going to play with them today and practice making purdy solder joints

And, yes, stranded wire. Got lots of it in different sizes.

:tractor:

 

[Old Gray Mare]

Absolutely. The fix could be as simple as playing with the PTO lever while holding the key to the start position. Easy enough to hit a lever when getting off a tractor.

Gotta clear things up about the PTO....I have never used it (don't have implements that require it), but I know that it is not engaged. When this no-start issue came up, the first thing I did was go through all the steps on making sure everything was in neutral. Don't forget that the tractor and I have been partners for close to 20 years and I'm the only one who has EVER driven it.

Ooops...I lied...the ex tried to move snow ONCE after I had a tooth pulled. Made more mess than imaginable and I had to clean it up next day :thumbdown:

Thanks again for all the great suggestions and encouragement. You folks rock :thumbsup:

 

[Old Gray Mare]

...... Then desolder and take apart while kicking yourself for forgetting to put the heat shrink on first. lol
Slide the wrap over the soldered areas, play with some matches.
Open a PBR, give the horse a carrot and tell her what a fine job you did.

Tooo funny :laughing:

 

[Old Gray Mare]

Letting all the tractor gurus on the forum know that my Massey is working its red butt off getting stuff done around the ranch :dance1:. Yes, I'm jumping the starter, for now. I left the side panels off so the engine is exposed...is that OK? It looks terrible. Yes, I know where the fan belt and radiator fins are and will keep my fingers and ponytail out of there

All of the needed parts/pieces have been ordered and expect to be at the PO by Thursday. There's no mail delivery to Ash Fork, AZ (everyone has a PO box) so I probably won't go to town until Friday. And that depends on how muddy the road is.

I sure couldn't have gotten this far without the information from you all.

If the rain returns this week, I'll take the dash cover off and start the inspection. I'm excited about this new challenge and hoping to get it fixed right with everyone's help.

Thank you again!!!:applause:

 

[rsallen]

Be careful out there mare. It only takes a momentary lapse and bad things can happen quickly.
I know, I know you've been around the block and don't feel you need the reminder but so have I and I've seen people with decades of experience do things they knew better then to do.......they just happen to be just not there in the moment.
It happens.

BE CAREFUL mare.

 

[Paul Thornton]

This is what makes this a great sight, all the great people on here!

L2800 w/FEL - 72" Land Pride rake

 

[Old Gray Mare]

All of the parts and pieces needed to work on diagnosing my Massey are sitting in front of me. I picked them up today to get ahead of the t-storms. I plan on moving the truck out of the carport and parking the tractor there so I can be closer to the house.

I will probably need some answers and help once I get the dash cowling off (hopefully it will be simple) and see what has caused the start problems :scratchchin:

Thanks again to all and *wish me luck*....I'm gonna need it :silly: