Tractor Won't Start

haussie · Mar 6, 2011

Any advice is greatly apprreciated. I've been troubleshooting as much as I know. I have a John Deere 5205 Tractor. When I turn the key, the engine cranks, but won't start. First I thought battery was the issue. Installed new battery - same issue. Tried jumpstarting - no change. Battery terminals are clean.

Fuel is moving thought the lines. White smoke is coming from the exhaust.

Checked all fuses - all ok. Neutral and seat switches are working normally. Air filter is clean. Checked the fuel shutoff - ok. Lights dim as I crank.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

sunnyside360 · Mar 6, 2011

What is the temperature ? Could be fuel gelling if very cold and no/insufficient anti-gel additive. Are the glow plugs or air preheater working? Dirty/plugged fuel filter? Fuel solenoid working?

grsthegreat · Mar 6, 2011

i know you said you checked all fuses, but check them with an ohm meter. this sounds exactly like a problem my neighbor had with his new JD tractor. turned out to be a bad fuse, even though it looked ok.

i tested them all with tester, found a suspect one. replaced it and the tractor fired up

Hardscrabble · Mar 6, 2011

If your machine is cranking, but not firing/starting, and it is a JD - it could be your fuel shut-off solenoid. It sounds as if you have checked all the low hanging fruit.

When you turn the key to the first position - "on" but not cranking, do you hear a loud click up by your fuel rack, down stream of your fuel filter? If not it could be the fuel shut-off solenoid that is the problem. Our dealer has been selling them like hotcakes lately, I had the same problem and replaced it ($187.00 freaking dollars) and it worked fine, for six starts then the new one failed - was replaced under warranty - a freak occurrence, I hope. The cold weather caused the original one to fail.

Best of luck.

haussie · Mar 6, 2011

Thanks for all of the advice. I think I've got a bad starter. Tried a few more things and this time noticed smoke coming from the starter - not good. Pulling the starter off and going to replace.

JD3520Turbo · Mar 6, 2011

Be sure and check for water in the fuel, or a plugged filter. If the engine is spinning over, then the starter probably wasn't the issue to begin with. It might be now if you have ground on it a lot trying to get it started.
I agree with above. Look at the fuel shutoff selenoid. My little tractor clicks and then rattles with the key in the on position.