Starting problem...

[jimbo64]

I'd check your battery and the connections. It sounds like the voltage during cranking may be too low to pull the fuel solenoid but when you release the starter the solenoid pulls in and since the engine is still moving it starts.

i agree- Check the battery and ground connections-

 

[Chilly807]

I agree. Ultimately that is probably an electrical issue. I am going to take a wild guess that there is an electrical solenoid that controls fuel delivery to the injection pump.
Either that solenoid has gotten weak so that when the tractor is being cranked there is not enough current to the solenoid to hold it open or the ignition switch has gotten dirty in the start/crank position of the key.

Find those wires for the fuel solenoid and see what the voltage is while cranking. If there is none then the ignition switch is likely defective. If it drops a lot then either the battery has low capacity and needs replaced or the solenoid cant hold open at the low crank voltage.

Couldn't have said it any better myself !

Sean

 

[dogdoc]

Thanks everyone for all the responses. I'll be back out at the farm this weekend and will try you suggestions. Will let you know.

todd