Tractor died as I was operatiing it

[flyerdan]

That was in response to OP's wondering what made it quit at idle in the first place. Starter issue is either the switch or the solenoid; a jumper wire from the battery will tell if the solenoid is bad since we already know the switch is dodgy.

 

[dar1]

I have been thinking about this and trying to understand something. So a starter has a small lead to activate the solenoid, which connects the starter to the battery . But do most starters kick out the driving gear? And only some have the solenoid do that? Otherwise on a starter like that, shorting the two heavy terminals would only get the starter turning and not engage it.

That is what my starter did exactly. Shorting the 2 heavy terminals turned the starter but it did not engage it.

 

[dar1]

Once I get back out to the tractor I will get the engine model #, I can turn the flywheel fine, battery is hooked up correctly, I will check for the small solenoid you referenced. Would it help to post a pic of the starter unit

 

[dar1]

Yes, all fuel lines, filters are clean and unclogged

 

[dar1]

I tested the starter and solenoid (one unit) and the starter is good. Will swap out the ignition and see if she will start

 

[aczlan]

I haven't tried hot wiring it yet. I would rather just replace the ignition switch

* When I turn the ignition switch to start it makes a clicking sound and that is it.

* I verified the battery is good and terminals are clean.

* The engine just suddenly stopped at idle and when I went to crank it over to restart it, I just got the clicking sound.

* The ignition switch sticks in the start position after turning over and I have to turn it back to run

* My main question is if the ignition switch is stuck to start will it ruin the ignition switch and/or burn out the starter. Is it possible that a failed ignition switch could turn off the engine? I could not restart the engine because the ignition switch is ruined?

* My other thought is if the ignition switch is stuck to start would it burn out the starter?

IMO, the first thing to do is replace the ignition switch. If you are at the tractor, short from the terminal that connects to the battery to the small terminal that the keyswitch goes into with the key in run position. That will let you test the starter and the solenoid, but if the key is sticking I would suspect that the switch is bad.

Aaron Z

 

[5030]

Buy a new one......

 

[tguy]

Buy a new one......

What he said!

 

[Mtnryder]

Sounds like the starter spring is broken.