1966 MF 180 wont crank

[RT9999]

Hi all. I'm new to the forum and new to tractors. Please let me know if this is posted in the wrong spot.

A few months ago I bought a 1966 MF 180. It's in pretty good shape for it's age and I have used it for a couple of very small tasks. Recently, when I went to start it I got nothing. It's as if one of the starter interlocks is not being satisfied. I know both shifters have to be in neutral and the clutch has to be depressed. Are there other controls that would prevent the starter from engaging?

Immediately prior to this I had tried out a finish mower on the tractor. It was the first time I had the PTO engaged. All went well except after I parked it it wouldn't start again. What am I missing?

According to the previous owner, this tractor does not have Multi-Power. There are a couple of unmarked levers to the left of the steering wheel, (see pics). One is where the Multi-Power lever should be (according the operators manual). I may have moved one or both of these levers in an attempt to figure out what they did. Could that have anything to do with my starting issue? Could anyone tell me what these levers do?



This is the first tractor I have owned. I operated one a few times years ago but I know I have a lot to learn. Thanks in advance for your patience.

 

[Cougsfan]

This is probably as good as any place to post this question. Sometimes tractors have safety interlocks that won't allow them to start with the PTO engaged. I would check that first. If that isn't it, I would suggest that you approach this systematically. A tractor that old could have something simple wrong like a bad battery cable. Bypass all the safeties and run a jumper wire to the starter solenoid, If it starts it is probably a safety interlock somewhere. If it doesn't it is probably a cable or a bad solenoid. If it does start with a jumper, get at multimeter out and check what is getting and transmitting power and what isn't. Don't rule out a bad ignition switch.

I have no idea what those levers are. Look behind them and see what they are hooked to. I doubt they are related to your problem, but I could be wrong.

 

[radios1]

since it wouldn't crank after the PTO was engaged, it very well be the safety switch on the PTO..

 

[RT9999]

Thanks for the replies.

I did check a out few things since I first posted. I followed the wires from the ignition switch to the starter. The only interlock that was visible was one in the top of the transmission. Probably the clutch/neutral switch but I suppose it could be for the PTO too. I tried to jump the two wires together but I was working alone and didn't really have a way to hold the connectors together. I also unplugged the ignition switch and tried to jump the wires there but had no luck. I was able to get the tractor to turn over by jumping the starter solenoid directly with a screwdriver so I'm assuming the problem is the interlock or maybe a break in a wire somewhere.

Unfortunately the tractor is stored away from home where there are few tools and I can't get to it every day. I'll take a multimeter when I go this weekend and check out the wiring properly.

On a positive note, I did figure out one of my levers. I removed some panels to troubleshoot and was able to see that smaller one on the bottom is a release for the adjustable steering column. The other lever is attached to the top of the transmission via linkage. I still suspect it may be a multipower lever but I'm really not sure how to tell. I suppose I'll have to experiment again when I get it running.

Thanks again for your help. I'll post again when I find out anything else.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have never seen a clutch safety switch.

Do your lights work, nice and bright. OFTEN with troubleshooting, you can be totally misled. You think, it's because you did, such and such, when really you have a dead battery!

 

[Cougsfan]

A switch on top the tranny is most likely a neutral safety switch. Mine has one that has been bypassed for the nearly 40 years I have owned it. I would guess it is either that or your ignition switch. You may consider bypassing it. If that doesn't work consider bypassing everything and just install a starter button directly from the battery to the solenoid. I am guessing yours is a diesel as I see what looks like a fuel shutoff lever in one of the pictures. If so it doesn't need power for spark, although you may need power for the glow plugs to start it.

 

[radios1]

A switch on top the tranny is most likely a neutral safety switch. Mine has one that has been bypassed for the nearly 40 years I have owned it. I would guess it is either that or your ignition switch. You may consider bypassing it. If that doesn't work consider bypassing everything and just install a starter button directly from the battery to the solenoid. I am guessing yours is a diesel as I see what looks like a fuel shutoff lever in one of the pictures. If so it doesn't need power for spark, although you may need power for the glow plugs to start it.

that's a quick way of getting injured, or dead!. do you know why they put those safety's on tractors?. injuries and deaths were occurring, and the manufacturers had to prevent that!.. one little slip is all it takes!..

 

[Industrial Toys]

I agree about not doing away with the neutral start switch. I was going to suggest, shorting the solenoid to starter, but didn't because if you don't know what that's all about, you can injure or kill yourself.

 

[Cougsfan]

that's a quick way of getting injured, or dead!. do you know why they put those safety's on tractors?. injuries and deaths were occurring, and the manufacturers had to prevent that!.. one little slip is all it takes!..

If you really want to be safe, never use a tractor. In fact you should stay in your house bundled up in bed. I have accidentally tired to start my tractor many, many times in gear. The worst result to date is that the tractor lurches forward about a half inch and I realize it is in gear and I stop and take out out of gear. You make it sound as if the tractor will suddenly roar to life, taking off like a dragster and mowing down dozens of innocent bystanders. If your tractor is indeed like that, by all means, I agree will with you. I also realize in this politically correct world, I should have never made such a incredibly horrible suggestion.

 

[Industrial Toys]

You know, that's the one time, Murphy would insist the thing springs to life, with juat a few degrees rotation of the flywheel.

I guess, if you are running along side, trying to keep up using your shorting bar, or screwdriver, you SHOULD probably stop.