Double Checking my Work: MF 35 no power

[Oddball1000]

Hi all. I was hoping someone could double check my thinking on an electrical issue I'm having. I'm trying to prevent just throwing parts at it.

I have an Massey 35 Gas 4 cylinder I bought last year. The other day I started to use it and found I have no power. The instrument panel remains dead when the key is turned and you can push the start button with no results. The battery tests 12 Volts, I get 12 to the solenoid, the starter, the ignition loop and back to the solenoid. You can jump across the solenoid with a screw drive and the starter will turn, but not crank.

A note on the wiring: it's all bad. The tractor was manufactured in 1960 and I'd be willing to bet most of the wiring is original. I need to do a full rewire, and have done the ugliest one's already, but really don't have the time to do the rest now.

Any advice?

 

[flusher]

How old is the battery? It could show 12V and still be bad--won't deliver current under a load. I'd recharge the battery and try again. If that doesn't fix it, get a new battery.

Good luck.

 

[Xfaxman]

Remove the battery ground cable, clean both ends.

Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhRPLgH6uZg