Starting (ignition?) problem on my Yanmar F15

[ptpaulie]

Hi all...
I have a F-15 Yanmar that has a new battery. Lately it has not immediately started with the key turn. It would "tick" with key turn, and start with a re-turn of the key. Yesterday after some grading I stopped the tractor and it would not start with any key turns; no tick or anything. The gauges were not working either I noticed so I banged on the panel near the ignition and it started. Now today, it won't start...even with banging. Any thoughts as to my problem? Ignition or starter??? HELP!!! :0( Paul Z.

 

[JL Sargent]

Battery in good condition, holding a charge? Charged voltage should be at least 12.8 Seems like 12.3 volts is about 1/2 a charge IIRC.
How bout the connections at the battery, are they clean and tight?

I had a similar problem once with a tractor and found that my starters solenoid had some corroded connections. I cleaned everything real good and tractor has been starting since.

 

[ptpaulie]

That's a great start, I'll do that tonight when I get home from work! Thanks so much!:thumbsup:

 

[winston1]

JL Sargent giving good advice. Might also check voltage at solenoid when you turn ignition and nothing happens. This will tell you if your getting voltage from ignition to solenoid.

 

[ptpaulie]

THANK YOU too! Will do. And by the way, the battery is BRAND NEW and fully charged.

 

[California]

I had to replace the ignition switch on mine before it would crank reliably. I cut open the old switch and found it jammed solid with dead pill bugs.

Is yours sensitive to just how you hold the key?

 

[ptpaulie]

Yeah!..I think it may be the ignition. The connections to the battery and starter are all cleaned and good. The starter was "tapped" on also...that didn't work. When I turn the key, the dash lights go on, but after I turn to start it (and nothing happens) the lights go off. And do not come back on when I turn it to OFF and back to ON. When back in ON, if I tap the side near the ignition the lights will come back on. I can't seem to get behind the panel that holds the ignition. The steering wheel shaft and "hold throttle" bar are preventing me. Any suggestions anyone? This is an F-15 Yanmar.
Thanks!

PZ

 

[deepNdirt]

If none of the above mentioned has fixed the problem, try removing the ground from the frame/engine and wire brushing the area clean also clean the ends of the cables,..... I always start by troubleshooting the simplest of things working my may to the ignition components,

 

[winston1]

PtPaulie, how about a picture or two of your dash. My old YM2002 has a panel to remove. Surely there's some pretty easy way to access it.

 

[ptpaulie]

I am building a wood stove hearth at the moment and can't get to my tractor yet. Aaarggghh! I will probably work on it by next weekend as I'll need it the following week. When I do I'll post pics and seek more of your input. THANK YOU All so much so far. This tractor forum is so great, as are all of you who have posted to help!

Paul