TC 35 Died last night...

[DougU]

I have a TC 35 I bought 1 month ago with only 49 hours. I have since just "messed" around with it and only put about 1 hour on. Haven't got my mower yet. Anyway, the other night I was taking my 3 yr old granddaughter on grandpa's big blue tractor and it died on me. I was driving along slowly and it just quit, like it had run out of gas. Tried to restart and it kept turning over but wouldn't fire. Like it wasn't getting fuel, even though it has a full tank. Kept cranking to no avail.
I went back last night to try again, pulled the parking brake on and it started right away! However, as soon as I took the parking brake off it died. When I went to restart it, now it won't even turn over. The yellow PTO light is now "on" on the dashboard, never noticed that before. The PTO is NOT engaged. It's acting like the PTO is on and therefore you can't start it. Could the "switch" be malfunctioning that tells the tractor the PTO is on, when it in fact is not? HOw might this relate to my problem with it dying. My first thought the other night was a fuel pump or filter problem. But why would it start right up again after setting for 24 hours? By the way, I have to jump to start it since the battery is now drained.

Thanks!

Doug

 

[tc35dforme]

I'd look at the seat switch....the tractor won't start if the brake switch isn't set and also the PTO has to be in 'off'. Since it died underway, I'd guess that the seat switch might have become disconnected simulating you getting up and walking away while underway. The switch is under the seat and is quite easy to check. Just pull the quick connnect and jumper the harnes and see if it starts. If so its the switch.

While your at it check the brake switch by setting the key to run and set and release the brake. The switch should go on-off. You can try the same with the PTO switch / lever.

Good Luck

 

[DougU]

Thanks for the quick response, I'll look into that..

BUt shouldn't it start as long as I have the parking brake set even though I'm not on the seat? Also, why is the PTO light on?

Thanks.

 

[DocHeb]

Can't tie in the PTO and the Brake safety switches together, but it is one of them. In light of the PTO light being on, I'd look at the PTO Safety Switch and associated linkage. Even though your lever may be in the "PTO off" position, if the linkage has come undone the linkage may be engaging the PTO. Attached is page 1 of troubleshooting the switch.

Edited:
The PTO safety switch is also responsible for sending current to the PTO indicator dash light.

 

[DocHeb]

Page 2. Also, diesels are not like gas engines. If it doesn't start when turning over, it won't do any good to try turning it over so much the battery dies.

 

[DougU]

Thanks for the info Chris. Where did you get the info you attached? Is this from a service manual? If so, where can I get one?

THis is my first diesel, thanks for the advice on starting. Was not aware of this.

Doug

 

[DocHeb]

I ordered the service and parts manual over the phone. I believe the number is in the owner's manual for the tractor. I keep the service/parts manuals at home, and the owner's manual at the farm so I can't check for sure about the phone number. The manuals occasionally show up on eBay. They fit in a 3" blue binder, and are not cheap. (~$270 if my memory serves.)

Been thinking more - with the PTO engaged the switch is open and the engine should not turn over. Are you still able to crank, or does the started not energize? The attached is the troubleshooting page for the deluxe safety starting circuit.

 

[DocHeb]

Found the receipt for the manuals - denial helped me forget I paid $314 for the manuals from:

CNH America LLC
700 State Street
Racine, WI 53404
262-636-7540

It was $66.04 for the parts manual, $230.27 for the repair manual, and $17.64 for the pretty binder on February 02, 2004.

 

[DougU]

Right now it won't even crank. PTO light is on. One of the safety switches is engaged somehow. Have moved all levers, PTO, etc. many times, no help.

Doug

 

[pekabu]

Also eBay has some manuals from time to time. I bought a complete set for my TC24 for well under $100. I think I paid around $70 with shipping. I saw some manuals for TC55's, 45's, and TC18/21/24 earlier today. Not sure which ones though. With my 24, there are 4 or so books. I don't have a parts book though.