STAKATOHH...rat-a-dat-dat-dat-dat !!

[kozak]

Another NO START machine.

Tried to start & Tractor gave a couple of turnovers..was a bit slow & then just gave a very quick stat-a-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat sound when keeping the key turned. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Waited a few minutes & this time noticed that glow plugs would not light. So waited a few more minutes but glow plugs would still not light.

Thought....GREAT, got all this snow over the last few days & can't even get BEASTY strarted to clear it off. SO....plugged in block heater & poured some deasel fuel conditioner into gas tank. While waiting, thought I might as well check out fuses thinking maybe that's why glow plug's were not powering. All fuses checked out OK. After another 20 minutes, turned ignition key but glow plugs would still not light....tried starting anyways & same result....engine turned over a couple of times & almost started but then just went into rat-a-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat sound. Sounds like the starter making that sound. For some reason maybe not getting fuel to cylinders.

I plan on leaving block heater on over night & see what happens tomorrow morning.

Any thoughts out there or has anybody else experienced that same sound with a NO START !!

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks,

Vic

 

[daTeacha]

I've had something like that on my Kubota B7100. Took the battery in to have it checked out and it was fine, literally as strong as a new one.

I looked things over pretty good, and commenced to cleaning contacts on all the ends of the wires. When I got to the starter, I found old oil and crud built up around it. Took it off, cleaned everything up, and it was fine. I think there was enough crud built up to keep full voltage from flowing to the starter motor and also to keep the starter from fully engaging the teeth on the flywheel. I don't know how your NH is put together, but check there. The solenoid could be just almost engaging.

I don't have any suggestions about the glow plugs other than to check your battery cables at both ends of both wires. Sorry.

 

[CT_Tree_Guy]

Kozak -

The symptoms and sounds you describe indicate to me that your battery is weak - especially the rat-a-dat-dat part.

I would take the battery out and fully charge it at 10 amps, or 2 amps if you have the time. Having it load-tested after charging it would be a good idea. If it's more than 4-5 years old, since winter is coming, it also wouldn't hurt to replace it if it shows any signs of being marginal after you've charged it and tested it.

If it takes a charge and tests fine, put it back in and do the basic charging system check: with the engine off, check the voltage across the two terminals - it should be 11.5-12 volts. If you can now start your engine, check the voltage across the two terminals with the engine running. The alternator should be charging it at around 13-14.5 volts. If it still reads the same as with the engine off, you have a charging problem. Alternator, regulator, belt slipping or bad wiring.

Maybe the battery in its current (or lack of current) state doesn't have enough power to get the glow plugs glowing, and/or spin the engine fast enough to start it.

 

[DUMBDOG]

Agree with the battery or terminals. Classic symtoms.

 

[kozak]

Thanks for the reponses guys !

As a first check I will start with the battery. Tractor is 2001 so it makes sense with this cold spell....maybe.....just battery. Would be a nice easy fix.

Vic

 

[rambler]

Yup, weak battery.

--->Paul

 

[jinman]

Hmm...
Do you have a vehicle with a good battery that you can jump over to your tractor? That's the quickest way I know to identify a weak battery. The sound you describe could certainly be the solenoid clicking sound made when the battery is low.

If your glow plugs continue to not work, you may have a problem with the glow plug relay or glow plug timer. After you are sure the battery is okay, if the glow plugs still don't work, I'd look at the relays.

 

[IH3444]

Block heater, battery maintainer, battery heater. That's a tough to beat combo. Cold weather is usually the death blow for a weak battery.

 

[RickB]

Clean and securely re-attach all battery cable connections. Bothe cables, both ends. Disconnect the negative cable first, reattach it last to avoid arcing/possible battery explosion.

 

[kozak]

Once again I owe a debt of gratitude to TBN'ers !!

Tried jumping tractor with pick-up this morning. Glow plugs lit again but same result. Tried re-connecting but no luck. Got voltmeter out & sure enough was not getting a good connection to battery, (was reading mV's) Had trouble getting grip jaws on jumper cables around both truck & battery terminals. These are so called premium jumper cables, think I will invest in a new set. Once I established a good connection, tractor started right up. Battery was indeed TOAST !! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif YEAH Baby !! I just love my tractor. When it starts up like that......Whhharummm, rub-a-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba !! Just music to my ears. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Got a new battery from local NH Dealership. Installed & no issues. Started right up. Tomorrow will be the big test.

Once again, thanks alot..... you guys are the greatest.

Vic