Why won't she start first crack ??? TYM T450 -750 HRS

[almaryholm]

A couple months ago I tried to start my TYM T450 and only got a CLICK... like the solenoid was getting juice but starter wouldn't engage. I turned key OFF and back to start about 3 more ( 2 more CLICKS) times and she started right up. This has happened sporadically over the last couple months, otherwise she fires first attempt. Battery 2 years old / kept on maintainer most of the time/ voltmeter reads just under 14 volts/ pulled terminals and ground cable to clean and tighten/ no seat safety switch. Talked to dealer and said it could be neutral safety switch ( must disengage clutch to start) ( will NOT start if you only put transfer case / transmission in NEUTRAL) Looked all over underside of tractor yesterday and DO NOT see any safety switch that could be adjusted on the clutch linkage...internal or buried in dash ??? I wash tractor but do not use pressure washer but I guess it could be solenoid/ starter combo...($$$) Any other ideas / insight out there ??!
Anyone out there know where the neutral safety switch IS located on Betsy...would be nice to know for future reference....

 

[1stDeuce]

Stop. I think your dealer is not be listening to you...
You say the starter "clicks", but doesn't crank, right?? Verify: Next time it does this, release the clutch and try again. You should find that with a safety preventing the start, there is no click at all from the starter, just nothing when you turn the key...

If that's the case, it's the starter, not a safety. The safety's prevent the starter from engaging at all, they don't let it engage (the click) but not crank... Trying the starter a few more times should get it started.
If you find that it is a starter problem, it means the contacts in the starter solenoid are fouled up somehow... Sometimes it'll "self-heal" with use, but if it gets worse, you'll either need a new starter, or you can dis-assemble yours and flip or clean the contacts inside the solenoid. If it's still under warranty, you can wait it out... If it becomes semi-repeatable, have the dealer warrant the starter. (they probably won't fix it if they can't reproduce, but you can diagnose and ask...)

The important thing to tell the dealer is that if the starter solenoid is getting power, it's NOT a safety problem, it's a starter problem...
Good luck!

 

[Bud Soda]

Still sounds like week battery to me. Or dirty terminals.

 

[Btown]

I agree with Bud, sounds like a poor connection somewhere, check ground to frame and connection to starter. My Ford 1920 was acting in the same manner I cleaned up all connections and starts fine since then.