Century 3035 will not start

[lostname]

My dealer is a 300 mile round trip...so I am attempting to sort out why my tractor will not start. Several times lately the tractor would not start, I would go back later and it would start and run just fine. I feel like the problem is a bad ignition switch. The light/horn switch has long since quit working. Are the switches a weak point on these tractors?

Back to the problem. When I turn the ignition switch on sometimes the panel indicators come on and sometimes they don't. If the panel indicators do come on and I turn the switch to start either all goes dead or sometimes I hear a quick clicking like would happen with a weak battery and all goes dead, no panel indicators. The battery and battery connections are all ok.

Anyone know where a schematic of the ignition and starting circuit could be found on the web?

 

[depratt_equip]

Sounds like it might be a problem with the key switch itself though. Try spraying a little bit of WD-40 in the switch and see if that helps any.

 

[lostname]

I tried that from front and back...no help.

 

[DavesTractor]

I know this sounds basic, but check the battery cables where they hook up to the battery. We've had a couple with bad ends and they would do what you are saying. IMHO, they could invest a few pennies and use a better cable instead of the thin steel wrap-around type. Let us know what you find.

 

[lostname]

I did remove the battery cables and clean(lightly sand) the cable ends and battery posts. They were not corroded, looked pretty good. The battery voltage as measured on the cable ends is good and does not drop when the key is turned to on or start. Did not trace the battery cables to the other end, could be a bad connection there.

 

[3035user]

You might try hooking a charger to it and see if it starts without a problem. If it dosen't you have a switch or a ground problem, IMO.
If the starter kicks in you should see a voltage drop on the battery.
I'm not an expert but I had plenty of experience with my old Jublee.
Wish you luck
Jack

 

[rameye]

I've got a GM diesel and they are notable for electrical gremlins... Rule number 1) check/clean/tighten all connections and all grounds (including chassis grounds) before replacing parts. Break apart and clean all connectors that have to do with ignition. Check all fuses and look for fusible links.

Could the tractor have suffered any trauma? I recently helped someone with a similar problem. A stick had poked up and damaged his wiring harness.

 

[lostname]

You got it. I checked the negative(ground) battery cable where it attaches to the frame. I took the nut off and it was rusted where it contacts the cable end. I polished all that up, put it back together and it started just fine. I think I will go back sometime and put something on to keep moisture out, it is rather exposed.

Thanks very much to all.

Roy

 

[rameye]

terrific!!
now enjoy the rest of your weekend. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[pinehilltexas]

assuming that the starter doesn't crank when you're having your problem I can't help but think the problem is in the key switch. if all the terminals to the switch are secure you might try hot wiring around the switch and if it cranks consistently it's got to be the switch. Another bugaboo I had a problem with on my 4340 is the neutral start switch at the clutch. If it's come loose and not functioning you're dead in the water. Don't even know if the 3035 has one. When you solve the problem I'd sure like to what the resolution was. Hope you solve it quickly. This sort of thing will drive a man to drink.