Starting Problems

[ballaterach]

I have an Iseki TX1510 recently been difficult to start and battery drains very quickly. Done the usual checks on the battery with a multimeter with engine not running and then running 1/2 throttle and it would appear at least that it is being charged by the alternator as the meter shows an increased voltage when running.

Looking over the electrical /starter system today trying to eliminate things and found a loose bolt on the end of the starter motor (there are 2 one top one bottom) wondering if this had come in contact with something else whether this would cause the battery drain.

Picture of the above attached....any help greatly appreciated....I should add that generally once I have the tractor started (normally by jump starting with another battery and jump leads)
it starts no problem for the rest of the day.....frustrating to say the least. Should also add that I'm finding it very difficult to get the bolt to bite and tighten wondering if the end has been damaged but impossible to get it out without other major disassembly

 

[gimmodog]

clean the ground where the battery cable connects to the motor. sounds like the battery is getting weak and goes dead while sitting. You could also keep a battery tender plugged in to keep it charged while sitting. The bolt goes all the way thru the starter holding it together, should not have damaged anything unless it was flopping around then it could wear some insulation off the windings.

 

[ballaterach]

Many thanks for your reply and advice; I appreciate it and your time. The battery is at least 8 years old albeit the 'indicator in it indicates that it is still ok...I have a new one and will fit that and see if the problem persists I'm going to clean up/check all the electrical connections also