Case International 235 (1990-ish) Compact Diesel Starting Issue

[kntryhart]

Engine will not crank. Thoughts / Suggestions?

New parts installed:
Battery (tests good - 14 Volts)
Battery post connectors (ground cleaned at frame)
Ignition switch
Starter Relay


Symptom and Test / Checks:
1. Connect battery, turn On key switch;

• panels lights illuminate properly;
• fuel shutoff relay activates properly,
• fuel gauge indicates fuel level.

2. Key switch to Preheat position and hold; Preheat works properly.
3. Turn key to On / Start; starter relay clicks, then DOA. All lights go out; fuel gauge turns off.
4. Turn Off key switch, then back to On...no lights or fuel gauge; DOA.
5. Move key switch to Off then to Preheat; no Preheat.
6. Wait 10 minutes or so (battery still connected); move key switch to On - DOA. No lights, nothing.
7. I disconnect negative battery terminal for a few minutes, then reconnect battery negative terminal.
8. Turn On key switch; panel lights illuminate properly; fuel relay activates properly and fuel gauge indicates fuel level. Preheat works properly.
9. Turn key switch to Start, starter relay clicks, then DOA. All lights go out?

I have checked continuity of all the safety circuits and they are good.
B+ is present at the key switch.
All fuses check okay.

What am I missing here guys?

 

[zenmek]

Check your frame and engine grounds, most likely culprit!

 

[gary49]

Possibilities: 1.Bad ground cable connection. Take ground cable connection off, clean cable connection and reinstall.
2. Battery is bad. Connect voltmeter to battery, check voltage as you try to start the tractor, also does voltage recover to 12.6 or more. Better yet, get the battery load tested at a battery place or auto parts store if you don't have a load tester.

 

[CADplans]

Use a set of jumper cables from the battery ground post to other various points on the tractor frame,,

If it issue is a bad ground, the battery cables will "jump" past the bad ground, and start the tractor.

I had several late 1980's tractors that lost connection right under where the ground battery cable bolts to the tractor.
Now, I ALWAYS remove, clean, and grease the connection point between the ground battery cable, and where it bolts to the tractor,,

 

[kntryhart]

Thanks.

Ground lug on tractor frame removed, cleaned; tractor frame cleaned where lug contacts. Reattached.
New battery load tested...tests good.
I even used a jump pack in parallel with the new battery; same results.

 

[kntryhart]

Thanks.

Ground lug on tractor frame removed, cleaned; tractor frame cleaned where lug contacts. Reattached.
New battery load tested...tests good...14 Volts.
I even used a jump pack in parallel with the new battery; same results.

 

[CADplans]

Thanks.

Ground lug on tractor frame removed, cleaned; tractor frame cleaned where lug contacts. Reattached.
same results.

Now do the same with the positive cable,,,

 

[kntryhart]

I may have determined the tractor's starting issue.

I removed and disassembled the starter.

One of the four brushes was hung up (brush wire hitting brush cage) and could not be pressed against the commutator.

 

[kntryhart]

New starter installed 19 Sep 2019. Engine cranks normally, no issues.

I presume that messed-up brush made charging the battery real ugly! I wonder if that is what cooked the old battery?