TC 40D starter problems

jinman · Aug 19, 2013

Rick, anyone who reads this thread has no problem seeing who got "puffed" first. None of this is helping Qapla find his problem. My troubleshooting method and suggestion is as valid as yours. Personally, I think mine is even better. I'm gonna bet that Qapla has checked his cables many times, but he is welcome to check them again if he wants. Nothing is wrong with that. However, if his starter goes click-click and he jumpers the primary wire to the solenoid and it operates, that's a pretty good sign that the starting circuits are not getting enough power to the solenoid. It's a suggested troubleshooting method from a guy who has been troubleshooting for over 45 years. It's okay for you to disagree, but there's no need to twist the context of my statement. I won't be able to post for several days, so this peeing contest will stop. Let's both hope Qapla finds his problem. I think that's what we both want. Neither of us is suggesting he buy parts and neither of us can turn back the clock and stop him from having his starter rebuilt. Let's put our issues on the back burner and suggest valid troubleshooting to help this gent solve his problem.

Qapla · Aug 19, 2013

I posted shortly after we installed the repaired starter and used the tractor. During the install, I did look at the positive cable and did not see any problems with it. The connection where the ground goes was also clean and was installed tight.

When I first started the tractor it seemed fine. But, after using it for some time and shutting it off, I once again had the clicking and had to turn the key several times before it would start. This happened several times, but not every time. Then .... I got rained out.

I have not yet had the time or clear weather to check any further on the situation. It will most likely be Sunday afternoon before I will get to the tractor - if it is not raining ... 30% chance of rain.

I plan to re-examine the battery cables and starter connections. I will also put a meter on the solenoid line and see what I get when I hit the switch. (I hope the safety police are not reading this thread) I will also check the connection where the seat switch was bypassed - it came that way (used tractor) and I don't plan to reconnect it ... but, since I was not the one who bypassed it, I cannot speak for the connection.

If I do install a relay, I will probably not use the battery cable connection on the starter. It is not very easy to get to with the starter on the tractor, especially with a FEL installed. I will run a new wire directly from the battery.

I will post what I find and what I decide to do and if that takes care of the problem.