LS 5020 starter problem

[AlmostThere]

Howdy all!

Went to start the tractor and it acted like a weak battery. The solenoid would click, and the motor would bump slightly. Put a jumper on the battery and no improvement, removed and cleaned the battery, ground and starter connections still no go. Replaced the battery and still the same. So I removed the starter to bring home and take it apart.

This is what I found:


It looks like water has gotten in the starter (apparently not very water resistant) and caused rust and corrosion. I checked online and found the price for a LS replacement starter is $1500.00. Okay I admit it, I got STICKER SHOCK!

My current plan is to try a starter rebuilding shop but I've never had to use their services before and am not sure what to expect. Anyone have good/bad experiences they care to share? Other alternatives before I man up and pay $1500?

 

[papachaz]

1500 dollars for a starter???

yeah, I'd have it rebuilt too. I'd almost bet the farm there are pretty ordinary parts in there, and the sticker shock price is pure and simple because it's on a tractor

 

[Doofy]

To the rebuilders for sure. They are reasonable and usually know what they are doing.

 

[Avenger]

I would either have it rebuilt or find a replacement. If you have it rebuilt you will likely run into the same problem in the future. It will only be a matter of time before the corrosion starts in again. I would look into replacing it with something better? Do some research and find a suitable replacement that is not LS. $1500 seems a bit extreme.

 

[mred2]

A good rebuilder will also be able to tell you what else that starter will fit. We have one in my area that I would not use again, but there is one about 60 miles away that is great. I had the same starter fixed at the first place and it worked for about 10 minutes. The second place fixed it right for less than half the money and it lasted over 15 years until I sold the tractor.

 

[AlmostThere]

Thanks all for your input and suggestions. I plan on trying using a starter rebuilding shop and hope to let everyone know how it goes.

So don't you think I'm exaggerating on the price of a new one here are a couple links on new ones...
https://www.lstractorparts.com/product.asp?lt_c=1&itemid=37&qv=1&
'LS' Starter for U5020 & U5020C Tractors: Genuine 'LS' Part!

Fingers crossed!

 

[Doofy]

Thanks all for your input and suggestions. I plan on trying using a starter rebuilding shop and hope to let everyone know how it goes.

So don't you think I'm exaggerating on the price of a new one here are a couple links on new ones...
https://www.lstractorparts.com/product.asp?lt_c=1&itemid=37&qv=1&
'LS' Starter for U5020 & U5020C Tractors: Genuine 'LS' Part!

Fingers crossed!

Be sure to seal the new unit from moisture. Don't want a repeat.

 

[radios1]

that's insane! there is no way to justify that price!. also, I'd think at least twice about recommending getting an LS tractor if they are going to pull this nonsense!!.. they're nuts!..

 

[papachaz]

that's insane! there is no way to justify that price!. also, I'd think at least twice about recommending getting an LS tractor if they are going to pull this nonsense!!.. they're nuts!..

yeah, because John Deere parts are so cheap to buy, right??

 

[radios1]

yeah, because John Deere parts are so cheap to buy, right??

YEP, look here. John Deere Tractor Starter | eBay you'll find other tractor manufacturers price their starters reasonable too.. BTW, tractor manufacturers don't make their own starters, nor have them custom made, it would cost way too much!. they DO use mass produced starters from starter manufacturers, and YES, it's possible one of the John Deere starters will work on the OP's tractor..

 

[mred2]

I still have an ISEKI TL3200 tractor. When alternator went out, my son looked at it and said "Oh, that is a Mit%%$$%". Went to the local auto parts store and got it. He did the same thing for the starter. He was the same as some of the import trucks.

 

[Tymanthius]

YEP, look here. John Deere Tractor Starter | eBay you'll find other tractor manufacturers price their starters reasonable too.. BTW, tractor manufacturers don't make their own starters, nor have them custom made, it would cost way too much!. they DO use mass produced starters from starter manufacturers, and YES, it's possible one of the John Deere starters will work on the OP's tractor..

Using ebay lists against manufacturer lists isn't fair. What's JD's price?

 

[papachaz]

YEP, look here. John Deere Tractor Starter | eBay you'll find other tractor manufacturers price their starters reasonable too.. BTW, tractor manufacturers don't make their own starters, nor have them custom made, it would cost way too much!. they DO use mass produced starters from starter manufacturers, and YES, it's possible one of the John Deere starters will work on the OP's tractor..

Yeah i knew that, he壇 be best advised to have it rebuiyor get a part number and see what else it fits and buy thst one. My comment about it being higher because it痴 a tractor starter was pure and simple meaning the dealer or manufacturer will hope the end user isn稚 smart enough to figure that out.

Kind of like guys on a forum hope weæ±*e not smart enough to realize the guys who own one brand of tractor but browse/troll the other brands sections probably suffer severely with buyers remorse

 

[AlmostThere]

I promised to update this thread.

I took the starter to a starter/alternator rebuild shop in Houston. They did fix the starter for $135.00 and it works, lot cheaper then buying new. Now will see if it will last. I sealed all of the potential areas where water may leak in using RV rook sealant (because it is what I had). It's capable of handling the hot roof temperatures so I think it should handle the engine compartment temperatures.

Tried to get some additional information about the starter from the rebuilder, such as who else uses this particular starter, but english was not his primary language so I didn't get too far with that.

Again thanks to all who offered advice. If this starter fails in the short term I'll let you know.

 

[Walter L]

The new starter price was insane and so is a rear light for my xg3135 at $99. , bought a better more powerful light on Ebay for less than$15, good to see you got the starter repaired.

 

[radios1]

it would be best to at least throw a tarp over the tractor if stored outside!. the tractor was not designed to be waterproof, and other parts, especially on the electrical system will rust and stop working if wet..