84 JD 430 keep blowing fuse/ fuel shut off sol

tompallc · May 11, 2014

Hello everyone. First post. I just picked up this rather beat up tractor a few weeks ago. It was running but overheating a lot. Did a quick flush of the coolant system and put in a thermostat (there wasn't one installed). Also cleaned it up a little, battery etc..

I was out mowing a field (60" deck) and it just shut off. I couldn't figure it out. I would crank it, it would start up like it was on one cyl, then die. I tried a couple more times and decided to quit. Came here, found out about the fuel shut off sol. Found the bottom fuse was blown on the fuse panel. It had a 30amp fuse installed, I believe it's supposed to be 25amp. Replaced it, drove it back to the house (100 meters) then it popped again. Now it will run for about 25 seconds and pop every time. I can hold the button in and it runs fine. But without the circuit closed (fuse blown) it will not stay on its own.

What could be causing the fuse to blow? Is there a weak link somewhere? Can I disable the sol and just keep the fuel shut off in the open/engaged position? I'm the only one on the tractor and most of my property is pretty much flat. If I can disable what would be the best way?

Thanks... I am going to fully restore this tractor over the next year or so and look forward to getting it running!!

Thanks everyone for the experience and knowledge.

I'm a retired army guy that let's the wife bring home the bacon while I restore and collect pinball machines mostly among other things.

Tom

tompallc · May 11, 2014

I put a multi-meter on the cables going to the sol. The white drops to .0004 volts after I crank the engine. If I jump the pos lead on the sol with 12v it keeps running just fine. I don't have a schematic on me. Is there a relay or some module that flips the 12v on that I can check? It would seem there is and that is either overheating or shorting somewhere and causing the fuse to blow and then the circuit opening. I imagine the sol is fine because it works when it gets the 12v it needs!

Thanks guys

jimpen · May 11, 2014

:welcome: from Ohio

I would inspect every inch of wire for the smallest nick. Years ago I had a car that would lose the dash and parking lights whenever it was run in the rain no matter how big a fuse I had in it. It turned there was a millimeter nick in the shield over the edge of some sheet metal. The water would allow it to groound out and blow the fuses. A simple wrap of electrical tape fixed it once I finally found it. The finding was the bear.

tompallc · May 11, 2014

Yes, I guess I will take apart everything and start from one end and go to the other. I got this thing for a song. Amazing deal. I actually love it. When it ran the first couple times I used it, it was pretty strong. I will probably need to replace the head gasket, but other than fix a radiator leak and this electrical problem I am sure I am good. the engine sounds perfect. I do need the left and right engine panels. They are missing. Also will need to piece together all the equipment to complete a 3 point hitch. Then start finding implements... This is going to be a fun project.