Starter problem, 354

[Seasoned Carpentry]

When I look at a problem I look for evidence. I've set forth the evidence I've gathered and the observations I've made. Soundguy, in your last post what struck me most is your series of assumptions: marginal clutch, substandard wiring, bushing and housing not machined well with many crankings exacerbating each of these, to the point where all of them add up to a starter not engaging. Or we have a clutch that is slipping. For me, when assumptions pile up, I look for the simplest explanation. Each one of these assumptions may be perfectly reasonable on their own. But all of these assumptions must be reasonable and have actually happened in this case for this line of reasoning to give an accurate result.

Either the clutch is bad and must be replaced anyway or all the machining defects must be aligning together to make the pinion gear hit the flywheel out of it's designed tolerances rather than engaging it. Upgrading the wire won't solve the problem in either case. I provided evidence that the undersized wire is not affecting the action of the starter in this case, at least as far as my ability with starter observations is concerned. I also did not observe slop in the pinion gear on its shaft and was quite impressed with how well the starter fit into its housing. The pinion gear showed wear I felt was indicative of good meshing.

I don't claim much experience with Jinma's, and nothing but adequate experience with machinery mechanics in general. But I do understand problem solving and the amazing power of assumptions to cause well intentioned people to reach conclusions forced by their assumptions.

In my opinion the evidence points to the clutch in the starter. I'd be interested in alternate explanations using the evidence I've presented here. Or explanations on why and how I'm misreading the evidence.

 

[greg_g]

I'm curious how a such busy fella has the time to approach a help forum. Besides length explanations why you're right and we're all wrong, seems so far all you've accomplished is to order a part you quite possibly don't even need.

I love the irony; you've likely spent more time typing, than it would have taken to replace a wire or two.

//greg//

 

[rutty creek]

S C
Your cards are on the table. I agree that not all things happen/contribute to failure and you are taking the logical path to problem solve. If you performed all the improvements mentioned, would be able to tell which was the actual problem, if the starter works properly. We are all anxious to see you get this repaired and to share with us your new knowledge. If the starter drive corrects the problem, you can upgrade during >60 degree temps, which looks like it won't be for a while. Good luck !!

 

[rutty creek]

Greg,
I don't think S C is saying anybody is wrong and he is certainly being gentleman about trying to reply to suggestions and the reasons he has chosen this path. I wish I had your knowledge about tractors, and appreciate and consider all input, just need to tap into some of my own occasionally.

Thanks for taking the time to help! I've learned a lot from your input over time.

 

[Seasoned Carpentry]

Thanks rutty creek for your words of encouragement. One of the reasons I enjoy posting to this forum is for the ideas and opinions offered. Please don't think I'm bashing your ideas, Greg. You offer much experience and knowledge. When I was growing up my parents encouraged active discussions and expected us to back up our positions with logic and evidence. You've championed the idea that the size of the ignition wire is a major factor. I've offered evidence that I see/hear that the wire size issue is not affecting the starter on my tractor. It's not that I don't understand wire size, voltage, and current. I studied physics in college and have done a fair bit of wiring in my business. If I were building the tractor I would have used a larger wire size, yes. But for me the bottom line is always evidence, not theory. I fail to observe that there is a difference in my starter performance between using the ignition wire and bypassing it.

The reason I spend time here is because I enjoy exchanging ideas. I have no problem with you disagreeing with me, I welcome it! But I also enjoy backing up my reasoning and asking you to back up yours. How else am I to learn about Jinma's? Many on these forums express interesting opinions about the tractors. Fewer provide solid reasoning and evidence for their reasoning. I feel that evidence always trumps opinion and theory. And I was taught that if it ain't broke, don't fix it, and I mean taught the hard way, by experience.

 

[Seasoned Carpentry]

Seems that the clutch was the problem. I received a new starter from my dealer. After I installed it the tractore started immediately and started two more times after. Problem seems to be solved!

Thanks to everyone for their help!

 

[rutty creek]

Good goin!
Now, if we can just get rid of the Noreaster and move on to some seat time i'll be happy !
Thanks for keeping us posted.

 

[3RRL]

sc,
Glad to hear your problem is fixed. As I recall your deductive reasoning led you to identify the problem, and you were right.
Good job man.

 

[AlanB]

Glad you got it fixed.

Did you change the entire starter or just the drive?

 

[Seasoned Carpentry]

Since my tractor was under warrantee, my dealer sent me a brand new starter. I also ordered a starter drive so I could fix the old starter and make doubly sure that was the problem as well as giving me a backup starter. Today it's partly sunny up here in northern Vermont and I'm getting some seat time on the tractor! Been leveling an ancient pile of stones and moving gravel to make way for a new home for the tractor. Nice to see the sun again!