JD 4600 - Grinding Starter Issue

[quid_non]

My 4600 has had an issue off/on with a loud "grinding" sound sometimes when I turn the key on. After one or two attempts the started will engage and turn the flywheel over and start. The problem is getting worse. Anyone else have a similar issue? Is it likely a damaged "bendix" type gear on the starter or a bad spot on the flywheel? Any suggestions to check?
Thanks

 

[beenthere]

Does the grinding sound happen when you turn the key "on" or when you turn the key to "start" ??

Related to the earlier problem you posted, or since that one was "fixed" ??
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...-solenoid-problem.html?highlight=#post5651103

 

[radios1]

it sure sounds like a bad starter, you can buy a new one, or have your old one repaired at an electric motor repair shop..

 

[Roadworthy]

I found I could not get a new Bendix spring for my aging Mitsubishi. A whole new starter from a local starter shop was only somewhat more expensive than the Bendix assembly alone. I replaced my starter and I've not had the grinding since. The starters can be kind of generic. If you have a local starter shop take the starter there first.

 

[quid_non]

Does the grinding sound happen when you turn the key "on" or when you turn the key to "start" ??

Related to the earlier problem you posted, or since that one was "fixed" ??
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...-solenoid-problem.html?highlight=#post5651103

Thanks for the reply - not related to the earlier problem as far as I know. Only grinding when I turn key on to engage starter NOT when I turn the key to on position.

 

[Peter 315]

Don't keep grinding the starter you will ruin the flywheel .....

 

[beenthere]

At a minimum, I'd remove the starter and look at it to see what may be happening.. before grinding any more.

Parts showing what looks like a gear reducer, after the armature (key #7), then grouping #21 called the "switch" , and grouping # 26 called the "clutch". May be helpful when looking at the starter once removed. Wish you well.

 

[rekees4300]

My 4600 has had an issue off/on with a loud "grinding" sound sometimes when I turn the key on. After one or two attempts the started will engage and turn the flywheel over and start. The problem is getting worse. Anyone else have a similar issue? Is it likely a damaged "bendix" type gear on the starter or a bad spot on the flywheel? Any suggestions to check?
Thanks

I'm having a similar problem the past month with my JD4300. Assumed it was the 5 year old battery so replaced it. With new freshly charged battery it started normally so I assumed problem was solved. The tractor sat unused for a week then the grinding sound reoccurred. ullinghair: Then I thought maybe the new battery was defective, couldn't hold a charge more than a week. Thank you for starting this thread and to those who replied. Based on this thread, there's probably more going on than a battery problem. :confused3: Strange thing is the grinding only happens when the engine is cold. Tractor starts normally when engine is hot. :confused2:

 

[beenthere]

Now with the 4300 entering the thread, has my interest even more.

"grinding" sound.. is the engine turning over at the same time you are hearing "grinding" ??
And this sound is not a chatter, or a clicking sound? (what I would associate with a low battery)

 

[rmonio]

My 20 year old 4600 suffered from same issue - I replaced the starter and have had no problems since.

-Bob

 

[rekees4300]

Now with the 4300 entering the thread, has my interest even more.

"grinding" sound.. is the engine turning over at the same time you are hearing "grinding" ??
And this sound is not a chatter, or a clicking sound? (what I would associate with a low battery)

Hi beenthere! I consider you one of the TBN authorities on the JD4300 so appreciate your interest. :thumbsup: When the sound occurs the engine does NOT turning over. I used the term "grinding" because the OP used that word. Actually in all my decades of tractor ownership I've never heard this weird sound from the JD4300 or any prior tractors. I'd describe it as a "sparking" sound (related to an electrical short) which isn't (as far as I know) associated with a low battery. :confused3:

 

[beenthere]

:confused3: :confused3: Me too.. hope I don't experience that... but with 20+ years, may just happen. Now the 4300 starts with just one or two revolutions..

If it happens, I will pull the starter and look for any possible bits and pieces of starter parts..

 

[quid_non]

At a minimum, I'd remove the starter and look at it to see what may be happening.. before grinding any more.

Parts showing what looks like a gear reducer, after the armature (key #7), then grouping #21 called the "switch" , and grouping # 26 called the "clutch". May be helpful when looking at the starter once removed. Wish you well.

Many thanks for the diagram and replies form all - -next chore on the list is to remove the starter unit and inspect.
For those who replied that you bought a new starter - any recommendations for purchase - - looks like JD wants big $$ for a replacement.
I'll follow up on my findings

 

[DanMc77]

I had the same issue early on after I acquired my 4600. When trying to crank the engine, sometimes it would make a very nasty grinding sound that increased in pitch until you finally reacted and let off on the key. A good friend told me to take out the starter and hook it up with jumper cables. Have a friend complete the connection while trying to hold in the output shaft. He said that if I was able to keep the gear from thrusting out, then the solenoid is weak and the starter should be replaced. That was the case - it was pretty easy to hold in. I found a replacement on ebay for about $100, and it has worked perfectly ever since.

 

[beenthere]

Dan
Do you have a part number for that solenoid that you replaced? tks

 

[DanMc77]

Dan
Do you have a part number for that solenoid that you replaced? tks

Sorry, it has been about 4 years since that purchase and ebay doesn't keep purchase records that long. I searched ebay for "John Deere 4600 starter" and checked to make sure the seller had a rating above 99%. I just checked and there's a good selection there for as little as $90.

 

[quid_non]

I just bought/received this starter:


Looks identical to OEM and is a hefty beast! I plan on installing this week - I'll let all know how it worked out