GC2300 and GC2310 questions

[FredWalter]

I have a GC2310 that is stored outside all the time. I haven't had much reason to use it this summer. I just went to try and start it, and ... nothing. I'm assuming the most likely culprit is one of the safety switches, probably the seat safety switch. Though my sons (~4.5 yo and ~6yo) love playing on it, and the possibility exists that they pulled on something that they shouldn't have. If I try the normal things with the safety switches (putting a jumper in them), and the tractor doesn't start, any ideas?

I'm looking at a GC2300 with a bunch of attachments, including the front 5' snow blade. How do people feel about using a front snow blade to move snow? We have a 300' laneway to the road, and 300' to the barn (though the barn doesn't need to be cleared very often). This would be for my wife to use, since she doesn't like driving backwards. (I have a snowblower for on the back of the tractor.) The GC2300 has 1600 hours on it - any thoughts or feelings on how much that number of hours matters? The guy selling it swears that all the regular maintanence was done on it, but the tractor looks like crap (lots of rust).

 

[Pixguy]

I have a GC2310 that is stored outside all the time. I haven't had much reason to use it this summer. I just went to try and start it, and ... nothing. I'm assuming the most likely culprit is one of the safety switches, probably the seat safety switch. Though my sons (~4.5 yo and ~6yo) love playing on it, and the possibility exists that they pulled on something that they shouldn't have. If I try the normal things with the safety switches (putting a jumper in them), and the tractor doesn't start, any ideas?

I'm looking at a GC2300 with a bunch of attachments, including the front 5' snow blade. How do people feel about using a front snow blade to move snow? We have a 300' laneway to the road, and 300' to the barn (though the barn doesn't need to be cleared very often). This would be for my wife to use, since she doesn't like driving backwards. (I have a snowblower for on the back of the tractor.) The GC2300 has 1600 hours on it - any thoughts or feelings on how much that number of hours matters? The guy selling it swears that all the regular maintanence was done on it, but the tractor looks like crap (lots of rust).

I'll let others comment on the 2310 not starting but I would want more info... any noise when turning key? Glow plugs clicking? Lights operating?

On the blower question, I have the front blower and it works great. I can't imagine doing my 400' driveway looking over my shoulder the entire time.

1600 Hours? I wouldn't think that the hours would be an issue but it appears it was left outside and I'd want to see some evidence of the maintenance being done in a timely manner.

 

[FredWalter]

I just jumpered the seat safety switch, and the problem isn't a bad seat safety switch.

If I turn the key to the "start" position, nothing happens. There are no 'funny' noises.

If I turn the key to the "on" position, a funny buzzing noise sometimes comes from what I think is the "safety relay" or the "starter relay". The text in the service manual says "safety relay" but the wiring diagram says "starter relay". Sometimes when I put the key to the "on" position, the lights on the dash flash and all the relays start tripping on/off/on/off/on/off until I turn the key off.

What I think is the safety/starter relay says "CATa-12V-N-S" "can't read it" "51026" on it.

I'm thinking it is time to replace the safety/starter relay. Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[66chevelle]

I had a similar problem earlier this year., You may wish to look at the ground strap. Left hand side just after the rad.

 

[ray66v]

GC's that are stored outside, have had owners report starting issues due water entering, and corroding in the ignition switch.

There has also been several who have found a wire broke off the back of the switch. It apparently can be soldered back on.

 

[FredWalter]

Thanks for pointing the ground strap and ignition switch out to me as possibilities. I'll check those out before I buy any new parts.

The plastic cover for my ignition switch broke off years ago (and I cannot leave the key in as a cover because my 6yo and 4.5yo sons would start it up and try driving it if I did that). So I'm definitely going to give the ignition switch a look-see. If there is a problem with corrosion, can it be cleaned up with steel wool? Or is the corrosion inside, requiring a new switch? I just priced a new switch: $73 Canadian+taxes from a local dealer. I assume I can test if the switch is the problem by taking a wire and shorting out the appropriate connectors on the outside of the switch, to simulate turning the switch to 'start' or 'on'.

 

[ray66v]

If it is corroded inside, you can try spraying the inside with some sort of electronic cleaner, but it's probably toast. I doubt it can be disassembled. But, I have never tried either.

You definitely need to find some sort of a way to cover the hole, to keep out the rain.

Maybe you could file a spare key down so it doesn't start it, but but still fits in the ignition?

 

[FredWalter]

There has also been several who have found a wire broke off the back of the switch. It apparently can be soldered back on.

Thank you for this information. I took the ignition switch off, and it was extremely corroded and one wire's connector was broken off. I figure I could clean off the external corrosion and solder the broken connector back together... but the solder joint wouldn't be very strong, and there still would be who knows how much corrosion inside the switch where I cannot clean it. Since I don't need the tractor right now, I'll probably just replace the switch.

 

[FredWalter]

I had a similar problem earlier this year., You may wish to look at the ground strap. Left hand side just after the rad.

Turns out that my ignition switch is definitely toast. However I wanted to check the ground strap, to make sure it was ok. However, I couldn't find anything that obviously was a ground strap. Then again, I'm only able to get home after dark during the week, so I was looking with a flashlight.

I don't suppose you have (or can take) a photo of the part of the tractor where the ground strap is located, and include it in a post? Or does anyone have the url for a photo of this part of the GC2300/GC2310?

 

[ray66v]

Thank you for this information. I took the ignition switch off, and it was extremely corroded and one wire's connector was broken off. I figure I could clean off the external corrosion and solder the broken connector back together... but the solder joint wouldn't be verry strong, and there still would be who knows how much corrosion inside the switch where I cannot clean it. Since I don't need the tractor right now, I'll probably just replace the switch.

That's definitely your problem then. :thumbsup:

The ground strap is between the engine and the frame, you can't miss it. I think it was on the right side. But, I can't remember for sure right now.