starter problem ford tractor

[glassballoons]

I have a 1920 ford tractor diesel, one click no start. New battery, not a neutral start switch, not a battery cable problem. when I start no voltage drop in battery but do get a voltage drop on the solenoid. Do you think it could be the solenoid or the starter switch?
thanks

 

[randy41]

more likely the key switch.

 

[kirkawilson]

Here is a link with troubleshooting ideas:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/278208-ford-model-1920-starts-run.html

 

[glassballoons]

more likely the key switch.

any suggestions on checking the key switch by jumping wires?

 

[glassballoons]

I found that post before and tried most of what was said. as for this part:
"Symptoms: Turn on headlights, have someone watch while you turn key to start position and then back to off. If headlights are bright, go dim in "start" and then go bright again in "off" - you probably have terminal resistance. (Headlights are bright because there is 12V and they only need a few amps; but the starter motor pulls 300+ amps, so the lights dim and the motor won't turn, because the corrosion is choking off the current.)"


My headlights do dim when you turn the key and get the one click. But the voltage to the on the battery doesn't really drop (maybe by less than 1 volt). The voltage on the solenoid drops off from 12+ to less than 3 volts so it seems.

I haven't tried this yet:
" Diagnosis: Disconnect battery cable, test continuity with voltmeter, one probe at solenoid connection (or frame ground for the ground cable) and the other touching the inside of the connector. Should be 0.5 ohms no matter where you touch the inside of the connector. Corrosion will increase resistance and you will see this right away in the voltmeter readings."

 

[retro7570]

The click you here is the solenoid energizing. corrosion inside solenoid is preventing the solenoid from completeing the circuit between battery and starter motor. You can disassemble the solenoid and clean the contacts or replace it.

 

[randy41]

hi retro. i'm in floyd co va also. anyway the same thing you say about the solenoid could be happening in the key switch. the op should be able to bypass the switch to test it out.

 

[glassballoons]

I appreciate the response, this is a great forum, so thanks. When I get the problem fixed I will post the result. I was having another intermitted problem with the neutral bypass switch, which I corrected and would have never thought of except for previous posts and video someone did. Back to my problem, I started looking at replacing the switch, and getting quotes of $120 to $200 for a new one, wow. I was wondering if anyone has tried a Kubota switch (5 plug) which costs about $40.
I finally pulled the starter and will either take it in for a bench test (then rebuild if needed) or try to clean the solenoid myself.

 

[glassballoons]

The click you here is the solenoid energizing. corrosion inside solenoid is preventing the solenoid from completeing the circuit between battery and starter motor. You can disassemble the solenoid and clean the contacts or replace it.

I had the solenoid replaced and it starts every time, that seems to have been the problem.