Branson 4520 rescue project!

EddieWalker · Feb 22, 2021

Interesting thread. I have a 2003 Century tractor that is similar to your Branson, but just a little smaller at 37 hp, and in a little better shape. I'm appreciating your repairs and just here to follow your progress.

K5lwq · Feb 22, 2021

Welcome to the party Eddie! My shop is in Lindale so come play anytime you want. :laughing:

You actually might be able to help me with determining the circuits. Would you mind taking a picture of your fuse block and if you have the cover that identifies each fuse? That would be cool! I am betting they will be the same.

EddieWalker · Feb 23, 2021

Couple of years ago I struggled to get my tractor to start. It was always something different, but always electrical. I spent a full year chasing gremlins, and it was never reliable. I never knew if I could get it started or not. One day I had enough and I removed every wire on the tractor and installed a new key and switch. I ran new wire to the starter and alternator. I installed a push button to warm up the injectors that I push in for five to ten seconds before starting it. And I installed a manual choke cable to turn off my injector pump so it will stop running. Since I did this, it starts up better then it ever did when brand new. I also think that I have more power, but that might just be from my excitement of being able to use it again, any time that I want!!!

I'll have to look to see if I left the original fuse box in there. I bought a new one for just a couple of fuses that I need and I don't remember what I did with the original fuse block.

I was in Lindale Lowes on Saturday. I'm actually next to Winona and prefer to shop in Lindale over Tyler.

K5lwq · Feb 23, 2021

Appreciate it Eddie!

ptsg · Feb 23, 2021

As long as you don't fry the ECM by crossing the wrong wires, everything will be fine.

K5lwq · Feb 23, 2021

ptsg said:
As long as you don't fry the ECM by crossing the wrong wires, everything will be fine.

Well let's not do that then! :thumbsup:

K5lwq · Feb 28, 2021

Couple of updates.

I found some universal radiator hoses locally and replaced the thermostat while I was at it.

I put some more antifreeze in and found a few more leaks. Radiator leaks, water pump leaks and several freeze plugs leak. Someone tried to replace one of the freeze plugs with a expansion plug but they had the wrong size and could not get it all the way in.

I will order some 1 1/8" to 1 1/4" expansion plugs to get it going for now.

I traced the wiring and found the neutral switch was the problem. But now because some wires were cut off of the fuse block I had to add another one. Sure is easier to test things before cutting wires.

One of the cut wires was for the fuel shut off solenoid. They used this for the fuel pump so that is why the solenoid would not energize.

After working the shuttle Shift a few times the neutral switch started working again. It will now start and stop with the switch key and all safety switches are now operational.

I will need to get a new fuel filter as the one I got from my dealer is the wrong one. It is to small.

A little progress on a long journey to get this thing back to life!

ptsg · Feb 28, 2021

That thing had indeed a rough life. But you'll get it working in top notch shape!

Hopefully nothing bad will show up on the engine, once you can get things up to temperature.