4400HST won't start -- HELP!!

[Mike_S]

I refuse to have the nearest JD dealer come and get it since I got screwed on pricing promised on a previous somewhat expensive service. The next closest dealer and one I do trust, has moved farther away increasing the cost of a service call or if I need transport.

The 4400HST is 11 years old with 1000 hours and starting a few years ago, has (sadly) been left outside after purchasing a commercial zero turn mower -- leaving the main use of the tractor for mowing a mile of right-away and using the FEL and rear blade perhaps 60 hours a year. It began having starting issues a couple of years ago. in which rarely, it would refuse to start. Try it an hour later or wait until the next day and it would usually start like nothing was ever wrong -- completely intermittent and random and rare, and generally starting first crank every time. Once started, it ran perfect, never stumbling and with full power as long as it was left running. Out of the 30-40 attempts to start it this calendar year, it probably refused only 4-5 times until now.

After putting the belly mower away for the winter, and using the loader for an hour, it suddenly will NOT START AT ALL. It cranks fine -- even connected the battery to my SUV and really spun it over -- no joy. It was warm enough not to have to use the intake heater assist. I am thinking perhaps one of the safety switches might have malfunctioned or perhaps (GASP) injector pump issues. There is no sign of water in the fuel bowl and the fuel filter is replaced yearly and fuel additives are used to stabilize the fuel (which is fresh) and remove water and prevent algae from growing and prevent gelling in winter. The fuel bowl is full. With the loader installed, I cannot really get to the engine and other than the safety switch on the seat, have no clue where the other myriad safety switches are located.

Before I call for an expensive service call or transport, is there anything that some of you might suggest I look at.

Any suggestions/opinions will be helpful -- THANKS

Mike

 

[fuel doctor]

I refuse to have the nearest JD dealer come and get it since I got screwed on pricing promised on a previous somewhat expensive service. The next closest dealer and one I do trust, has moved farther away increasing the cost of a service call or if I need transport.

The 4400HST is 11 years old with 1000 hours and starting a few years ago, has (sadly) been left outside after purchasing a commercial zero turn mower -- leaving the main use of the tractor for mowing a mile of right-away and using the FEL and rear blade perhaps 60 hours a year. It began having starting issues a couple of years ago. in which rarely, it would refuse to start. Try it an hour later or wait until the next day and it would usually start like nothing was ever wrong -- completely intermittent and random and rare, and generally starting first crank every time. Once started, it ran perfect, never stumbling and with full power as long as it was left running. Out of the 30-40 attempts to start it this calendar year, it probably refused only 4-5 times until now.

After putting the belly mower away for the winter, and using the loader for an hour, it suddenly will NOT START AT ALL. It cranks fine -- even connected the battery to my SUV and really spun it over -- no joy. It was warm enough not to have to use the intake heater assist. I am thinking perhaps one of the safety switches might have malfunctioned or perhaps (GASP) injector pump issues. There is no sign of water in the fuel bowl and the fuel filter is replaced yearly and fuel additives are used to stabilize the fuel (which is fresh) and remove water and prevent algae from growing and prevent gelling in winter. The fuel bowl is full. With the loader installed, I cannot really get to the engine and other than the safety switch on the seat, have no clue where the other myriad safety switches are located.

Before I call for an expensive service call or transport, is there anything that some of you might suggest I look at.

Any suggestions/opinions will be helpful -- THANKS

Mike

Are you getting any smoke when trying to start it. If so you are getting fuel . Most of the time if is a safety switch it will not turn over.it could be the shut down solenoid or a blown fuse on the solenoid circuit

 

[beenthere]

Below freezing temps is probably cold enough to use the heater assist. At least worth a try.

Age of battery another source to look at, and if more than 3 yr old, suggest a new one.

Fuel solenoid is a possibility, and you should be able to hear it click in as well as see it move.
Side panels will come off even with the FEL on.

 

[Mike_S]

I really spun the engine over with the battery jumped to the SUV battery -- no smoke, but it never smokes anyway

The temps are/WERE warm enough to not have to use the intake air heater although I did try that too.

The faulty fuel solenoid is of interest - will swap out all fuses with fresh dielectric grease since I have done a LOT of dirt work and the entire fuse area is seriously dirty.

WHERE is the fuel solenoid located and what should I look for - that seems like the best idea yet.

One additional issue is a parking brake light that won't go out when brake is released, but doubt if that has anything to do with the starting problem.

THANKS for the help!

 

[patchnball]

look up thermistor in the search engine here. A $5.00 part that creates what you are describing. I had the same problem....New thermistor...tractor starts every time. Located behind fuses in the tangle of wires.....Good Luck

 

[hosspuller]

If a diesel won't start when cranked, fuel supply is the first thing to be checked. Work back from the injector. Does the injector get fuel? if not. Does the injector pump get fuel?