1972 MF 135 Diesel Starter safety question

[okiecraig]

I have to start my old friend using a wire across the main terminal with the battery cable and the small inside terminal. My fuel pump was leaking and diesel dripped into the starter. I have fixed the leak. Are there any fire concerns when I try to start the tractor? I made one attempt and saw smoke coming out of the starter and immediately stopped. I assume the smoke is from the fuel on the coils burning as power goes thru the starter.

Should I start the tractor and just let the fuel burn off?

Why do you guys think?

Thanks!

 

[Looking4new]

I think that you should take the starter off and clean it up. Maybe fix the solenoid while you are at it.

 

[okiecraig]

How do I clean it? I have owned this tractor for 9 yrs, only changed fluids and it has been a jewel! I have been using the poor boy start since a neighbor borrowed my tractor and "fixed" the starter..........

 

[Masseywrench]

spend the money and repair it correctly, even if that means replacing the starter. A starter is a lot less than replacing a tractor that caught fire.

When you say smoke is coming out of the starter, do you mean the main body of the starter or the solenoid?

 

[shona13]

G'Day okiecraig.
You say you started the tractor using a hot wire ,do you mean that the start switch on the tractor is not working ??
The tractor has a transmission operated starter inhibitor safety switch, the switch is located underneath the battery ,right hand side of the tractor ,two wires with spade connectors pull them of and undo the switch ,use a pair of slipjaw pliers and carefully remove the switchwash it out and make sure the little button is moving freely if good using a test light check the switch is indeed operating electrically.

It could be possible that the smoke you saw was coming from a loose starter motor connection, make sure ALL connections are ,clean and tight even if you remove them one at a time and give them a good clean with emery tape or a wire brush , just a note ,the starter motor terminal that the positive lead attaches to has if you like a screwed post which is held secure to the solenoid by a lock nut ,if for any reason the nut is a little bit loose this will allow the internal contact on the solenoid to move around which will in itself cause not only heat but burning to the solenoid contact disc and the contact surface area ,just check that all connections are making good contact before you try it again .
Happy Days.
Hutch.

 

[okiecraig]

Took the starter out, went to auto shop and it tested good. Seems it has diesel inside that must have to burn off. Will re-install tomorrow and see if I can get the tractor started.
Had to loosen stabilizer bar to get starter off. dang engineers!!

 

[okiecraig]

Please look at the attached photos and help educate me.............

1. what is the copper? piece goin into the body of the starter in photo 1?

2. DO i need to clean or lubricate the inside of the housing shown in photo 2?

thanks

 

[shona13]

G'Day okeicraig.
The first photo ,the copper piece going into the starter body is the 12 volt supply to the starter motor windings ,this is what carries and distributes the current to the starter motor to allow it to turn the engine .
The second photo is of the starter pinion ,the starter pinoin is Energised /driven out by the solenoid and by doing so engages with the flywheel ringear and allows the starter motor to drive the engine,the pinion assembly has an internal sprag /one way clutch which is friction adjustable that is ( if correctly adjusted) the pinion will Slip if subjected to an overload situation such as hydraulic lock ,trying to start and engine that is seized or any other situation that will stop the engine turning when the starter is engaged, as far as the oil inside the pinion housing it will do no harm .
if ther is as you mentioned diesel inside the starter motor I would use either Brakleen or electrical cleaning solvent and thoroughly wash out the starter motor windings through the hole wher the copper goes through the housing use plenty and leave it in there for a while then drain it out and spray more inside with the hole at the bottom this will rinse out any foreign material that may have found it,s way inside ,Either carefully blow out with compressed air or let dry for 24 hours ,remove the small lubricating plug on the end of the starter motor and add four or fivre drops of engine oil this will ensure the bush inside will be good to go for another twenty years. refit the starter motor all should be good.
Happy Days.
Hutch.

 

[okiecraig]

Thank you, Hutch! I will do as you suggest, re-install and see what happens. I wish i knew how to re-wire it, but since I don't I will simply attach the positive battery cable to the battery terminal and continue to start it with a piece of wire.

 

[shona13]

G'Day okiecraig.
can you tell me ,does the tractor have the original ignition/start key and switch if it has I can send you a photo of the wiring diagram.

If not You could install your own system I would need to know if the tractor has an Alternator or a Generator type charging system.
Regards.
Hutch.