STARTER-SOLENOID-SWITCH PROBLEM ?

[KoonHunter51]

Farm Pro 2430 - Jinma 304
Could this be a electrical/switch problem
Solenoid Drive still turns after engine starts
A couple weeks had a periodic "Click" when starting engine, would start after a few tries
Had to replace a leaky fuel sediment bowl, & while waiting on parts, I cleaned & smoothed out all the contacts on battery & cables
Positive & negative, removed cable ends at the starter & also used a battery protection spray/gel
Fixed sediment bowl, put fuel back in & turned key to start, started but solenoid drive still turns can peck on it & it will stop
Could this be a key switch failure ?
Switch/Key feels like it hangs up in start position (Might be my imagination), but I can turn it back & remove key, shut down engine & solenoid still turning unless I peck on it lightly
Note; Red light on voltage regulator stays on with key off & engine shut down, peck on solenoid & red light goes off & solenoid quits turning
I did search on this site, but just could not pinpoint this
David

 

[Bob Rooks]

Solenoids do not turn. Are you referring to the starter motor? The red LED on the voltage regulator indicates there is power to the field circuit. Sounds to me like you have multiple issues.

 

[succor]

The furthest rotation of the key is engine start, than it should spring back to run. Before start there is preheat where you hold for the glow plugs. Anyway, should be spring in the key switch.

 

[PILOON]

Might just be a defective ignition switch which seems to be a quite common problem.
Switches have a lubricant to prevent wearing out the contacts (sort of a grease) that dries up over time preventing good contact and as well causes switch to hang up.
An effective fix (and good maintenance trick) is to spray into the key slot WD40 and work the switch a few times.
That dissolves the dry lube returning it to its intended consistency and all is well again..

 

[KoonHunter51]

Thanks for the replies,
Bob, I knew the solenoid did not turn, but I just can't pinpoint the sound
I believe it's the solenoid remaining activated & a loud humming sound, when I touch/grab it, I feel vibration at the solenoid,
& somewhat less when feeling the starter
The solenoid does get warm & a very light peck stops the sound/vibration/turning immediately
I have a video on my tablet, but I can't figure out how to attach
I am thinking about troubleshooting by removing the starter wire at the key switch & "jump" start at the solenoid to see if I still have the problem
Or should I just remove a wire at the solenoid ?
PLOON, I will try the WD40 at the switch & I also have some liquid graphite for switches, door locks etc.
After owning/using 11/12 tractors this one has started the best of any, so I am disheartened a little
Thanks again,
David

 

[Bob Rooks]

I have found that the quickest way to post a video is to upload it to You Tube and then just copy and paste a link to it.
Please don't use graphite or Lock Eze in the key switch as it is an electrical conductor.
It does sound like there is a problem with the solenoid, possibly sticking contacts and/or a sticking key switch providing current to the solenoid.

 

[Bob Rooks]

Another possible cause is a sticking solenoid motor, which happens when grease or oil is used as a lubricant. Graphite is the best lubricant for this application because it doesn't attract dust and dirt, and it isn't temperature sensitive.

 

[KoonHunter51]

A little more troubleshooting & now I & a smart neighbor found out (He did) it's the starter motor still running/hanging up
Is this a common problem & can starter/solenoid be fixed/rebuilt & are PARTS AVAILABLE or is a new unit required ?
The neighbor just happen to be a mechanic who rebuilt starters, alternators, air cond. pumps, etc for 40 years
Tractor still starts with ease & the problem does not do it every time
David

 

[PILOON]

Yes graphite is a good lubricant but it also is a conductor for electricity. (graphite is carbon, carbon is what motor brushes are made from)
Do not use in an ignition switch ! (will cause all sorts of electrical shorting)

 

[Bob Rooks]

The solenoid may be repairable. Remove from starter, and remove the bakelite end carefully. The contact studs can be turned to a new surface, and the copper contact washer might be able to be flipped over. If not, just clean the surface. Thoroughly clean the motor (slug) and the bore. Lubricate with graphite thoroughly and reassemble.