L2800 Intermittent Starter Problem

[Don R.]

From time to time after running my tractor for several hours it refuses to start after stopping the engine. It clicks, but it almost sounds like a safety switch is not operating correctly. After the tractor cools off, it will start as if there was never a problem. Wouldn't you know it, the 2 year warranty expired on the 2nd of September, and the dealerships were closed when this started.

 

[woodchuckie]

I've had starters in cars that would get hot and not turn over. Heat shields have now been added to most cars. A heat shield might help yours last a little longer.

 

[ccsial]

From time to time after running my tractor for several hours it refuses to start after stopping the engine. It clicks, but it almost sounds like a safety switch is not operating correctly. After the tractor cools off, it will start as if there was never a problem. Wouldn't you know it, the 2 year warranty expired on the 2nd of September, and the dealerships were closed when this started.

I think if you hear a click it is probably not a safety switch. Sounds more like a solenoid. Get someone to make it click and listen around and see if you can find the click.

 

[crbr]

If you have the HSD, try rocking your hydrostatic pedal and allow it to find it's home on the safety switch.

 

[cityfarma]

I would not be impressed with a dealer that refuses to assist with a fault that happens only days after warranty finishes. I would be returning to the dealer with the problem if you don't fix it yourself.

Cityfarma

 

[ccsial]

Looking at the prints there is a starter relay and a solenoid in the starter. If a safety switch is open neither will operate. If you hear a click I'd bet it is the relay and the solenoid on the starter is stuck.

 

[rbargeron]

From time to time after running my tractor for several hours it refuses to start after stopping the engine. It clicks, but it almost sounds like a safety switch is not operating correctly. After the tractor cools off, it will start as if there was never a problem. Wouldn't you know it, the 2 year warranty expired on the 2nd of September, and the dealerships were closed when this started.

If the starter solenoid clicks then the safety switches are likely not the problem - the starter solenoid is getting voltage if it clicks. But it may not be getting enough amperage to pull in the starter. One thing to try before diving deep is to exercise and/or clean & tighten the wiring connectors at the solenoid. Also tighten the positive cable and make sure your battery terminals are tight. Starter solenoids require a fair amount of current (maybe 20+ amps) so all wiring conections need to be good. If this tractor has a fusible link, a short loop of red wire at a plug near the starter, it could have marginal crimp connections inside the plug. It can be checked by unplugging it and substituting a piece of heavy copper wire - like house wire. If jumping the link cures the problem, get a new fusible link (around $5). Don't leave the jumper in place permanently because the starting circuit should have fuse protection. As always, prompt cheerful refund if info is bogus. Good luck, Dick B

 

[Volnavy]

I have the same problem on by L3400 HST. When you find the problem please email me at jhines2@utk.edu

Thanks,
Wes

 

[wushaw]

The click you are hearing is the fuel solonoid when you turn the key to the on position more than likely.
It still can be a safety switch like the one in the hydro pedal...which is notorious for being out of position, the band for this switch is very small.
You have to rock the pedal very, very slowly for it to make contact.

On way to troubleshoot voltages going to the starter is to get a third hand and foot to attempt to start tractor and check for voltage at the starter solonoid.

If you think it's a heat thing which I don't because I have 214hrs on my L2800 and have never had a heat related start problem...it has always been the hydro pedal but I haven't had that problem in over a year.

You can jump the starter to make the starter engage thus bypassing all the saftey switches to verify the starter works....( if it is a gear tractor make darn sure it is in neutral )

 

[ccsial]

Wushaw, While he didn't say so I assume the click he is hearing is when turning the key to the start position. If not, then It may be the fuel solenoid he is hearing. I can't hear the fuel solenoid on my L3400 but then my ears aren't too great anymore.

 

[Soundguy]

I think I'd start by jumpering out the safety switches and see what that got me.. then go from there by cleaning electrical connections, and then using a vom / test lamp to see just how far up the chain power is getting to before a fault occurs.

If it ends at the solenoid, try the wood stick test on it.. if that does it.. sound slike time for a new solenoid, and time to clean battery cables and starter mount flange. many solenoids die due to dirty battery cables making excessive low voltage/higher current draw needs.. that leads to burt contacts

Some of em you can open up and dress or flip the copepr contacts.. some are disposable..

post back what you find..

soundguy

 

[rdsaustintx]

Bizarre, but had exactly the same thing happen on my BX today. Just a 'click' when I hit the start switch.

No idea what it was, fiddled with the PTO control, tranny lever and treadle. It finally started third or fourth try. It was a HOT day and I had been mowing 4 hours solid, so I wondered about heat and general filth too.

Time will tell...

Russell in Texas

 

[TonyS]

I have a L3400 that had the same problem - mine is HST.

There are 2 kill switches, under the seat and on the HST pedal.

Advice given here to me was to wiggle the HST tran pedal allowing it to come back to rest at its own speed - it worked and as soon as I get time to go to the dealer they will replace the switch.

Hope this helps

 

[ccsial]

I have a L3400 that had the same problem - mine is HST.

There are 2 kill switches, under the seat and on the HST pedal.

Advice given here to me was to wiggle the HST tran pedal allowing it to come back to rest at its own speed - it worked and as soon as I get time to go to the dealer they will replace the switch.

Hope this helps

Don't forget the clutch switch. My L3400 HST won't start unless the clutch is depressed.

 

[Don R.]

Thanks to all for your gracious and helpful information. As soon as I get my tractor back home (loaned it to a neighbor to use pulling his diesel tanks off of his truck).

I may be getting my 4240 back; and then I'll let the dealer worry about it if that happens.

 

[RobJ]

Thanks to all for your gracious and helpful information. As soon as I get my tractor back home (loaned it to a neighbor to use pulling his diesel tanks off of his truck).

I may be getting my 4240 back; and then I'll let the dealer worry about it if that happens.

I hope we don't here another bad loaned tractor report.

Good Luck,
Rob

 

[Don R.]

Rob, the guy actually is pretty dependable. He brought it back home with a full tank of fuel. Imagine that!

 

[Soundguy]

Now that's a good neighbor!

Soundguy

 

[charlz]

If you are checking all your cable connections etc. don't forget your ground.

 

[Don R.]

So far so good. I have not had a "lick" of trouble out of it for over a week. The next time that it acts up, I will check the HST pedal first, and work my way back.

What do you guys say when a friend brings over 20 gallons of diesel for your tractor for no other reason than to be a friend? To quote Gomer Pyle, "Surprise, surprise, surprise!"