Tractor died, won’t start.

[Jeepnford]

Yesterday I was moving snow with my Case DX35. It died suddenly, just like it was shut off. Now it’s crank, no start. The filter bowl is full of fuel, but I’m thinking since it didn’t even bog down it seems like there could be an electrical problem like a bad fuel shutoff solenoid or something like that. Does this sound plausible, or more likely a plugged filter or something like that? It’s been parked inside at about 40 degrees.

 

[Boss 302]

I agree, probably the solenoid seems like if it was fuel quality it would have acted strange before stopping.

 

[Roadworthy]

It could well be fuel related. See if the fuel flows freely from the tank. Sometimes algae or something will build up, preventing enough fuel flow. Be sure your vented fuel tank cap isn't plugged. Clean or replace the fuel filter. Bleed your fuel lines per the operator manual. Check the air filter. Give it a go.

 

[Jerry/MT]

It could well be fuel related. See if the fuel flows freely from the tank. Sometimes algae or something will build up, preventing enough fuel flow. Be sure your vented fuel tank cap isn't plugged. Clean or replace the fuel filter. Bleed your fuel lines per the operator manual. Check the air filter. Give it a go.

+1

 

[Henro]

Yesterday I was moving snow with my Case DX35. It died suddenly, just like it was shut off. Now it’s crank, no start. The filter bowl is full of fuel, but I’m thinking since it didn’t even bog down it seems like there could be an electrical problem like a bad fuel shutoff solenoid or something like that. Does this sound plausible, or more likely a plugged filter or something like that? It’s been parked inside at about 40 degrees.

I think the sudden shut off is a key thing to keep in mind. I would think a fuel issue would give some hint before the tractor shut down.

I had essentially the same thing happen with one of my tractors, but fortunately it was during summer when cutting grass. The tractor stopped immediately, just as if I turned the key off.

In my case, the tractor would start, but immediately shut down when I released the key from the start position. This tractor has a fuel cutoff solenoid, with two coils. One coil pulls the solenoid armature in, to allow the tractor to start. The second coil holds the armature in during normal operation, until the key is turned to the off position. The coil that holds the solenoid in place during run failed.

Not your set up probably, but the message is the same. A failed fuel cutoff solenoid will prevent the tractor from starting, and when it fails it will shut the engine down immediately, just like turning the key to the off position.

If you had no hint of fuel issues before this occurred, I would put my money on the chances the fuel cutoff solenoid failed, or you could have a wiring problem that is preventing voltage from reaching the solenoid, a broken wire or a connector that came loose, for example.

 

[PILOON]

Was using a borrowed tractor last summer and when I made a sharp turn it died suddenly.
OK, I'm handy, turned out an added wire would get pinched and shorted the main fuse when a sharp turn was made.
I pried the (large) fuse open and was able to force the ends into making contact.
Naturally this was far from home and no tools so only my pocket knife was available.
Whoever installed that wire was certainly no mechanic.
It was the main output 40 amp fuse!

When I got home I lengthened that wire and secured it properly along with a new fuse.

I knew it was electrical due to the sudden shut down.
However I could still move as long as I kept the key in 'start' position which provided a clue.

Maybe it was blind luck, but I made it home.

 

[Jeepnford]

I pulled the filter, it needs replaced so I‘ll do that tomorrow when I get a replacement and start again. Still going to look for possible wiring problems. Found a small mouse nest under construction but no chewed wires. It was parked in a shed but has been moved to the shop for the winter. It really needs used more often.

 

[Billrog]

Hold the shutoff solenoid open with a piece of wire and see if it starts

 

[Jeepnford]

Hold the shutoff solenoid open with a piece of wire and see if it starts

Did that. Started right up. Swapped solenoids since it has several that are the same. Didn’t help. I’ll still test the solenoid per the manual, but I’m banking on damaged wiring after finding the start of a mouse nest.

 

[scaredychicken]

if all else fails, check that the battery cable clamps are still tight ... if they wiggle, everything can stop

 

[dlctcg]

@Jeepnford

So if my thinking is correct your DX35 is basically the same as a NH TC35 (or TC35D depending if your is the deluxe model or not).... If that is the case...

The fact your tractor turns over but does not start leads me to think of a couple quick things to check.

First off the seat safety switch and the parking brake switch will not stop the engine from turning over, no matter which position the y are in, they do however shut off the fuel solenoid. This will cause the tractor to die quickly & then create a engine crank with no start scenario.

First thing I would check is to see if the seat safety switch is working & the wires going to it... you can jumper the switch to see if the tractor starts...

Second thing I would check is to see if the Fuel Solenoid is working...
The fuel solenoid is on the right side of the tractor (same side as the ignition switch) it's down by the oil filter. If you set the parking brake and turn on the key, you should be able to hear it click or you can turn the key to the on position, and remove the wire clip from the fuel solenoid, listen for a slight click when disconnected, & when reattaching it. If you don't hear it click either the solenoid is bad or it is not getting 12 volt to power it... I would check to see if you have 12V at the solenoid when the key is on & the parking break is set (there is only one wire on the solenoid, it grounds thru the chassis).

If you don't have 12V power at the solenoid you have a a problem with the seat switch, fuel shut-off relay, or the operator safety module if your tractor has one.

If you do have 12V power at the solenoid... I would test the solenoid. (I've included the test procedure for the NH TC series)

Hope this helps...

 

[Billrog]

Run a choke cable or simular from it to your dash and skip the wiring

 

[Henro]

Did that. Started right up. Swapped solenoids since it has several that are the same. Didn’t help. I’ll still test the solenoid per the manual, but I’m banking on damaged wiring after finding the start of a mouse nest.

If you are able to disable the fuel cut off solenoid, and the tractor starts, you have your answer. Either a voltage problem reaching the solenoid, or the solenoids you used as replacements are also defective.

You are on the path to correct the problem. A voltage check on the wire feeding the fuel cutoff solenoid might prove beneficial.
IF you are getting voltage and the solenoid is not picking up, you likely have an issue with the solenoid, and not the wiring.

Could be something as simple as the contact between the solenoid and the engine block, if the return path to the negative battery terminal is via the connection with the engine block. But I doubt this is the case, since apparently you tried a couple solenoids that you feel are identical...

Does the engine start with the solenoid removed? This might provide some insight, but you would have to put the solenoid back in place to shut the engine down...

 

[Jeepnford]

OK. I’m an idiot. Should always start at the basics. I tested for voltage at the fuel solenoid. None. Went to the relay, had voltage powering it. Traced one of the solenoid wires to the operator safety module. Got out the repair manual wiring diagram. Followed back to seat switch. Plugged seat switch back in. For some reason I had it my head it wouldn’t crank without me in the seat. dlctcg pointed out that it would. Anyway, it was due for a new filter and the relays needed some contact cleaner on the lugs.