Sticky starter

[mendodave]

Hey all...

Time to get this little issue resolved. My 2005 BX23 has had a starting issue since purchase (used). I know it isn't the seat switch, since that was disconnected when I got it. What it does is when the key is turned is click. If it is going to start, I hear the first click, I think it is the fuel pump, then the second click is the starter solenoid, I think, then she fires up....maybe.

It sometimes starts right off, sometimes I have to keep cycling the ignition switch.

If I just hear the first click I know it won't start, but it does not start immediately even if I hear the second click as well.

My auto/moto experience makes me think it is a sticky starter, but it starts right off when I short that with a screw driver.

It normally will start within 5-10 minutes of this, but I grow weary of waiting. Got me some tractor time coming!

what do you all think, sticky solenoid? Starter? both? are they both one unit?

this happens about the same frequency if it is warm or cold.

Thanks!

Mendo

 

[davesl708]

Try pulling back on the PTO engage lever. On mine the switch plunger had worn down from vibration. A little tug back on the lever let the starter engage. It was intermittent.

How many hours on the machine?
Also the switch for the transmission selector could be doing the same.

There is a test procedure on youtube for determining if the starter or solenoid is bad.

 

[mendodave]

Hi Dave,

Wiggling any of the levers does not appear to help. The BX has a bit over 600 hours, say 610?

I will trot on over to YouTube and see what I can find.

Thanks!

Mendo

 

[davesl708]

Ok. With just 600+hours on it seems the starter would not be the issue. Maybe a loose wire?

 

[kubmehc]

Measure the voltage at the starter solenoid trigger wire (the light gauge one) during key engagement.

 

[PILOON]

Could be as simple as contacts in the ignition switch.
Often the lubricant dries up preventing a solid contact to be made.
Squirt some WD-40 into the switch key hole and wiggle the key a bit.
More than a few stater troubles have been cured that way.

That and you need all solid grounds, like metal to clean metal.

 

[mendodave]

I tried the WD40 trick to the ignition switch, no luck. First thing I thought of. I'll check the grounds this weekend.
thanks, all!

David

 

[flyerdan]

On that low time machine, I'd suspect some corrosion on a battery cable or associated wiring over a starter failure, especially if it starts by jumping it at the solenoid.

 

[victor43]

Had a similar problem on my B2400. Posted this solution to problem in 2004. Now 11 years later, tractor has never failed to start on the first try. Later in the thread, directions are given on how to hook up the low voltage solenoid wires. Hope this helps. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...40-b2400-starting-problem-finally-solved.html

 

[UncleAl]

+1 on the relay fix. My bx22 went from being a very finicky starting machine to one that starts first time, every time.

 

[Kanook]

Measure the voltage at the starter solenoid trigger wire (the light gauge one) during key engagement.

Thanks kubmehc.......Excllent suggestion...my JD F525 was experiencing this problem. Voltage at trigger wire was only 5 to 6.5vdc. I was going to install the low voltage relay but decided to check out the electrical path to the solinoid and found a very loose clip on connector at the key switch itself. Gave the push on connectors a squeeze with the pliers and she starts everytime now....no more clik...clik...clik...clik...

Thanks again

 

[skyhook]

Had a similar problem on another older Kubota, thought for sure it was the starter but it wasn't,
there was a wire hanging on by a thread on the "oil sender", repaired it and never had a problem with this issue again, Just a thought.
It does sound like a safety feature is preventing it from turning over.

 

[mendodave]

Had a similar problem on another older Kubota, thought for sure it was the starter but it wasn't,
there was a wire hanging on by a thread on the "oil sender", repaired it and never had a problem with this issue again, Just a thought.
It does sound like a safety feature is preventing it from turning over.

you know, this might have been it. I poked around with the BX yesterday, in order to get at the starter, the engine surround cowl needs to come off, and for that to come off, the front guard needs to come off, so I just poked about a bit. The oil pressure sender switch lead was very loose, I stuffed it back on and it started every time the rest of the day. I thought that "can't be it"
I will pull that off and crimp it better tonight.

Thanks, all!

David

 

[mendodave]

OK, it is fixed. I took off the ignition switch and noticed a small cut in one of the wires that the PO had wrapped with electrical tape, so I got another switch, but that was not it. Investigating further it seems that the PO, a rental company, put a 40amp fuse in line on the red wire going to the starter. Fuse removed, no ignition, no lights, dead. Fuse installed, everything works. All I did was take the fuse out, look at it, and put it back, tractor started every time all weekend since. This procedure works often with computers!

Mendo

 

[PILOON]

Often corrosion is the culprit.
Sometimes you get good voltage readings but when amperage is applied to the circuit it does not work.
Especially in higher current (amperage) circuits good solid contacts are critical.
Solid metal to metal contacts are critical and especially with grounds.

Sure twisted wire covered with tape works, (for a while) until dampness creates some corrosion.
Solder joints and heat shrink is the #1 way to go.
And for those grounds and battery posts, good old fashioned Vaseline will protect those contact points.

 

[mendodave]

thanks for the vaseline tip, did not know about that use for it. I might pop that fuse out and put a tiny bit on the spades.