case 446 possible starter problem

john tidwell · May 28, 2011

i have a case 446 i aguired when my dad passed away, i got it to run last year but never ran like it should. it kept reving up and down. i,ve since learned the onan motors are bad for this. ( a problem with the govenor). i couldn't get it to start this year, finally found the problem was the safety switch under the dash on the neutral lever arm. i got it to run by by-passing the switch. now my problem and question! i got it to start one time and now it acts like the battery is ran down, it will turn over a few times then clicks, the starter stays engaged and i have to fisically disengage it. could this be the problem? i'm seriouslly thinking of repowering with a briggs and stratton vanguard through jims tractors in michigan if i can't get it running right. parts for these tractors are getting very hard to find, i thought of buying one for extra parts. since it was my dads i'm thinking of restoring it this winter. any feed back from you guys would be greatly appreciated.

hydriv · May 28, 2011

John,
Most of the problems that people have with these tractors are associated with neglect, lack of proper maintenance and the failure to replace worn out parts in a timely fashion.

If you wish to throw a $1500.00 solution to the engine problems, then that would be your decision. If you do that, then be prepared to keep this tractor for many years to come because NOBODY will pay you even $1000.00 for the tractor a year from now with the new engine.

There could be several reasons why you are having these problems and a step by step diagnosis is the way to go. This forum is nice for certain things but for in-depth issues like you describe, I think that you could be helped much better at this site.

CaseColtIngersoll Lawn and Garden Tractor Forum

Take a look and see if you agree.

john tidwell · May 29, 2011

i only asked for help with my problem, not critizism of this site. as i said this was my dads tractor and 1,500.00 to have a good tractor isn't much to pay. i wouldn't take 5,000.00 for it. my dad always took good care of his things, as you odviously don't know, parts for onan motors are getting very hard to find. i have a tractor, mower, tiller,blade,and disk. you said i wouldn't get a 1,000.00 for it a year from now with a new motor. i will give you a 1,000.00 for every case 446 with a new motor like mine that you can lay your hands on. i won't be opening anymore emails. if anyone knows how to hide my email address on here please send me a private message. thanks very much.

hydriv · May 29, 2011

John,
Did you come here to argue with those who are trying to help you or did you come here with an open mind to seek information?

FACT: Onan parts are NOT hard to find but they are getting very expensive. If you doubt my word, then use GOOGLE and punch in "onan parts" and see how many hits you get.

FACT: I own more than 20 Colt, Case and Ingersoll tractors and have been an owner since the mid-70's. Suggesting that I don't know about these tractors, the engines used in them or the values of them would be an error on your part.

FACT: I gave you a link to a site that contains more information about these tractors than any other single site on the entire internet. Whether you avail yourself of that information is entirely up to you. It is not me that is looking for answers here. It's you.

Your exposure to ONE Case tractor that your late father owned doesn't qualify you as any sort of expert on any aspect of the brand. Forums are here to try and help people but those people must be receptive to that help and not get their shorts in a knot over some perceived misunderstanding. That's called "Looking a gift horse in the mouth".

john tidwell · May 30, 2011

it seems i was wrong in your reply, for that i apolgize. you are right i,m no expert on these tractors, my late dad was, i only wish i could ask him. as for the 1,000 you said i couldn't get for it, i have saw numerous ones sell on flea bay for well over 1,000. only one for less and it didn't even have a running engine. thanks for the info and once again i'm sorry for the misunderstanding.

hydriv · May 30, 2011

john tidwell said:
it seems i was wrong in your reply, for that i apolgize. you are right i,m no expert on these tractors, my late dad was, i only wish i could ask him. as for the 1,000 you said i couldn't get for it, i have saw numerous ones sell on flea bay for well over 1,000. only one for less and it didn't even have a running engine. thanks for the info and once again i'm sorry for the misunderstanding.

No problem, John. It is very easy to be misunderstood on the internet. Let's move on.

You are still looking for answers, are you not?

TractorbyNet is an excellent site for many things that concern tractors but it does not have the kind of information on it that will help you with the problems you are experiencing. The site I suggest discusses ONLY Colt, Case and Ingersoll tractors.........including the engines that power them. It is a highly active forum in comparison to this one. This is not about which forum is good or bad but rather..... it's about which forum can help YOU the best and the fastest.

As the old adage goes.......... You can lead a horse to water but you cannot force him to drink.

Are you thirsty, John?

Travelover · May 31, 2011

I've got an Ingersoll tractor and I agree that that site has more specific knowledge about Case/ Colt / Ingersoll tractors. I don't spend much time there because my darn Ingersoll just runs and runs.

Of course, so does my Kubota, but this site has more general interest stuff.

dubada · Oct 20, 2011

was this ever resolved??????????????????????????

hydriv · Oct 20, 2011

Was what....ever resolved?

If you have a problem with your tractor, then it is best to spell that out in a new thread. Please included the model and serial number of your tractor.