Ford 3000 starter troubles

[mtk51]

We have a '65 Ford 3000 diesel that seems to go through a starter motor about once a year.
It is used to pull the manure spreader through a stable, stopping in front of each stall to clean the stall, so the starter does get a lot of use.

However, I pulled the cover off he solenoid on the starter and it appears to be fully extending without the starter gear meshing with the ring gear.
The edges of the ring gear teeth are pretty banged up, but no other wear patter is visible on the teeth.

Could the starter "nose" be too short?


Pictures doesn't upload correctly. Seems to be upside down and distorted. Oh well.

 

[jimmysisson]

Those teeth don't look too bad. Did you have the starter out to check the throw?
Jim

 

[Bigfoot62]

That's a direct drive starter. It takes a BUNCH of amperage to turn it. Have you tested the battery? Are the cables and terminals in good shape?
I don't know how many of these starters have been fried by someone buying a "car" battery instead of the 4DLT that's supposed to be on there, or by someone "repairing" a cable by using an automotive replacement terminal.

 

[mtk51]

The tractor had a car battery in it when we bought it three years ago. This is the 3rd starter to fail. I'll get the correct battery and check all the cables?

Think the starter is ruined? Maybe I'll put it back in and see if it works.

Going out to the farm today to measure the throw and distance to the ring gear.

Thanks for the information.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Dont know if you need the 4dlt size (its is a size), but you should have a good 900 cca battery with good capacity and good starter cable. Some places sell low strand count 4 gauge that is no good. Should be high strand, or 2ga or bigger.

 

[Bigfoot62]

Dont know if you need the 4dlt size (its is a size), but you should have a good 900 cca battery with good capacity and good starter cable. Some places sell low strand count 4 gauge that is no good. Should be high strand, or 2ga or bigger.

There's a difference. I'm no electrical engineer, but IIRC, the 4DLT is only about a 850 CCA battery. You can put a 1000 CCA battery in that tractor, and it still won't be the same. Yes, a 4DLT is an expensive battery, but it doesn't cost half as much as the starter.
And, I'm not positive, but I think those battery cables may be a 1/0. And be sure to get a cable with a terminal that is either molded in or soldered. The little rinky-dink clamp-on terminals won't carry the amperage required.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Wasnt sure about size.. I mine is a high strand 2ga from my BIL's work. Almost as fine a strand as welding cable

Agree about the ends..

The 4dlt is a big batt with a larger capacity.. the amps are the same.

 

[mitch becton]

in 1965 the ford branded starter use an external solenoid you have not mentioned it. this must work properly for starter engagement also you can upgrade to new planetary gear style with solenoid attached will also help solve this problem post what city you are near can put you in touch with rebuilder who can supply this starter also there were 2 starters used in this year one for automatic trans on with manual difference being drive throw distance to flywheel

 

[Soundguy]

heck.. the 4dlt is half the tractor ballast too!

 

[mtk51]

I made a mistake in my original listing. The tractor is not a diesel.
Looks like the AGRI FORCE 917TF is the size I need. The 4D is too big for the battery tray.