GC1705 loosing it's prime.

[atsah]

You could try this to see if the solenoid is working. Leave the tractor in "gear" so it won't crank over. Turn the ignition switch to start (but it won't crank over because of the interlock). Turn the key off and you should hear the click from the solenoid. Every time you turn the ignition on/off, it should click. Several seconds after turning off you should also hear a click (my GC2300 is 8-10 seconds). Is it possible that a relay isn't working properly for the shutdown? The parts are too expensive to just replace en masse. thepumpguysc seems very knowledgeable, maybe he can recommend a methodical way of testing each component.

I just went out and tried what you told me to try, I heard both clicks you speak of. I am wondering if I somehow reset that replay during my diagnostic work today? Could be that is what wasn't working. I wish I knew where it was located to make sure the contacts look good.

 

[DMW]

The parts book lists the relay on the same page as the solenoid, but gives no description of its operation. 3710474M1 RELAY.
It is located under the dash on the left side.A black 2"x2" box. I have no idea how to test it, except by removing a battery cable if the tractor doesn't start. The solenoid has to be energized to shut the tractor off. With no power, and if the solenoid is moving freely you would hear the click when it shifts open. I am making an assumption that the relay is a timer for the solenoid, I could very well be wrong.



When you removed the solenoid was there any corrosion that could bind the operation of the rod?

 

[atsah]

I didn稚 remove it, I unplugged it.

 

[DMW]

Is the tractor still under warranty?

 

[atsah]

No, it痴 working perfectly now I would just like to know what made it work, all I did was disconnect the solenoid, started it, plugged the solenoid back in while it was running, turned the key off and pushed the manual shutdown inside the boot and it痴 been working ever since.

 

[atsah]

I知 thinking the solenoid shaft was stuck, I would like to remove it and look at the shaft, if I do is there fluid going to come out when I remove the two bolts? I would probably have to install a new gasket if I do remove it.

At this point I have to agree with pumpguy, I think the shaft was stuck.

I really appreciate the help, I was at a loss.

 

[DMW]

My best untrained guess, corrosion/deformation on the rod causing binding in the pump. When warm, the hole in the pump slightly expands from the heat allowing it to operate freely when warm. When cold, there is enough friction to make it stick. When you moved it manually, it may have been cleaned up enough to operate freely when cold. If it happens again I would get a new gasket, remove the solenoid and ensure it is clean. Its not something that is common on the GCs.

 

[atsah]

That makes sense to me, am I going to lose fluid when I take it off?

I just replaced the battery for him, it was very weak, I wonder if sending less than 12 volts to the solenoid for a long period of time made the shaft get stuck.

 

[WranglerX]

Think DMW may have nailed it...

Could be it just needs a bit of cleaning, maybe remove boot, look to see if easily disassembled and cleaned, reassemble keep fingers crossed... IF you have reasonable mechanical skills you might fix it, if not worst thing is you can do is ruin it and have to replace it.... But sounds you may be on right track to locate problem...At least keep testing for now..

Engine stop relay (#28 in wiring diagram) seems to be single pole single throw normally open relay (by electrical diagram in manual).. And seems to control the fuel shut off solenoid...Key on, relay should operate causing fuel solenoid to operate...

Dale

 

[thepumpguysc]

You will NOT lose any fluid if you remove it..
BUT if its working> leave it alone.. atleast you know where the problem probably is, if it happens again..
Its possible the connectors were alittle corroded & unplugging & plugging it back in, cleaned the terminals??
OR the battery was weak.. it takes ALOT of juice to snap that sol. closed..
OR it was full of oil..
Either way.. leave it alone.. just my .02..
Happy tractoring..