861D Will Start

[jtmcdon]

I have a 1958 Ford 861D and I am having trouble getting it to start normally. Right now, the only way I can get it started is jump across the large terminals on the solenoid/starter relay using two screw drivers. My problem might be the starter switch. If so, how can I confirm if the starter switch is bad. I'ver tried connecting the wire direct to the negative battery terminal but it did'nt help.

The solenoid, voltage regulator are new and the generator is a new rebuild. I by-passed the ignition switch by using a jumper wire and the generator light will light up. When the tractor starts the generator light goes out, which I assume is normal...right?

The tractor is easy to start and runs good. Oil pressure is always between 40 and 60.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks. Tom

 

[strum456]

When you push the button on your transmission to start the tractor, this creates a ground. This ground completes a circuit which activates the windings in your solenoid, which creates a magnetic field that pulls the contacts together that sends battery voltage to the starter.

If you are able to jump the solenoid with a screw driver and start the tractor, and you just put in a new solenoid, the push button must not be making connection. Before pulling the transmission cover to clean or replace the button, try shorting the wire going to the button to ground. You could easily remove the small screw holding the wire terminal and touch it to the transmission case to perform this test.

 

[jtmcdon]

When you push the button on your transmission to start the tractor, this creates a ground. This ground completes a circuit which activates the windings in your solenoid, which creates a magnetic field that pulls the contacts together that sends battery voltage to the starter.

If you are able to jump the solenoid with a screw driver and start the tractor, and you just put in a new solenoid, the push button must not be making connection. Before pulling the transmission cover to clean or replace the button, try shorting the wire going to the button to ground. You could easily remove the small screw holding the wire terminal and touch it to the transmission case to perform this test.

Thanks for the reply.

I did try what you suggested but that didn't work. I even connected the wire direct to the negative battery terminal as well as other areas on the tractor frame with no luck.

I'm convinced the wiring is totally correct. I don't want to pull the transmission cover if it's avoidable. Is there any way you know of to confirm if the starter switch is good or bad before replacing it. Can I ohm it out? If so, how?

Thanks. Tom

 

[strum456]

If you tried grounding the start button wire and it didn't engage the solenoid, then there is no need to mess with the button / transmission case at this point. Maybe the new solenoid is defective.

If you want to check your starter button just for fun, it should read nearly zero ohms from it's terminal to ground when depressed.

 

[jtmcdon]

Thank you, I will try the ohms check tomorrow morning. Regarding the solenoid, is there anyway to ohm it out? I assume you think the problem is the solenoid and not the starter switch right?

Thanks. Tom

 

[jtmcdon]

Thank you, I will try the ohms check tomorrow morning. Regarding the solenoid, is there anyway to ohm it out? I assume you think the problem is the solenoid and not the starter switch right?

Thanks. Tom

Hello,

I tried to Ohm out the starter switch but my Ohms meter didn't move. Assuming it's wired correctly and each wire is good, which they are because I did a continunity check on every wire. Am I correct when I say there should only be four compoents that could be causing this problem; Solenoid, Voltage Regulator, Iginition Switch or the Starter Switch. I understand it could be a combination of any of these four compents that could be bad. But again, the Solenoid and Voltage Reg, are new and the Generator was completed rebuilt.

I'm getting really frustrated with this problem.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks. Tom