Engine Won't Turn Over

papa51 · Dec 28, 2011

Been working my 2816 regularly on my horse farm. Went out to start it this morning, turned the key on to let the glow plugs heat up, tried to start it and it just ground over a time or two and stopped. Hooked up the jumper cables and don't get a grunt. Checked the tractor battery and it's showing 12+ volts but no volts at solenoid. In fact, it shows a negative read out there. When I turn the key on there is a clicking sound behind the dash near the switch. Had a similar problem this summer and replaced the solenoid with a new one. Anybody know if there is a relay behind the dash that would be faulty?? Or any other ideas? Really need to get this thing running as I have a LOT of work I need to do.

Thanks,

C Slaughter:confused2:

dex3361 · Dec 28, 2011

papa51 said:
Been working my 2816 regularly on my horse farm. Went out to start it this morning, turned the key on to let the glow plugs heat up, tried to start it and it just ground over a time or two and stopped. Hooked up the jumper cables and don't get a grunt. Checked the tractor battery and it's showing 12+ volts but no volts at solenoid. In fact, it shows a negative read out there. When I turn the key on there is a clicking sound behind the dash near the switch. Had a similar problem this summer and replaced the solenoid with a new one. Anybody know if there is a relay behind the dash that would be faulty?? Or any other ideas? Really need to get this thing running as I have a LOT of work I need to do.

Thanks,

C Slaughter:confused2:

I would check that all the connections are clean and tight. A fully charged battery should read about 13.5 volts. :thumbsup:

papa51 · Dec 28, 2011

Thanks, Randall. I did that first thing. Even took the ground loose and removed the paint so it's metal to metal contact when I re-installed it. Battery posts are clean and tight, as are the contact nuts on the starter / solenoid. I also checked the safety switches on the pto and the gear shift. Guess I'll have to start at the positive cable and try to run it out connection by connection. Talked to a service man at a local dealer and he didn't understand why the dash lights won't come on when I hook it up to a running truck via jumper cables unless there is some sort of short or fuse issue. I'll try to check that in the morning.

Cliff S.

blueriver · Dec 28, 2011

How old is the battery? It may be bad?

papa51 · Dec 28, 2011

Even if the battery is bad shouldn't it have turned over when I hooked the jumper cables up to it, or at least the dash lights come on??

Dbellrn · Dec 28, 2011

I'd say it's either the switch itself or a bad ground. Hook the positive jumper to the positive side of the battery and hook the negative side to the engine itself. I'm curious.

papa51 · Dec 28, 2011

Will do, Dbellrn. I'm thinking the switch but I'll try the jumper cable hookup. I'm also going to take the battery and have it tested by a pro. All I have is a cheap meter that came from Auto Zone. It'll be Friday before I have a chance. I'll be on the road tomorrow. I'll post the results. Thanks for your input.

Cs

Jim Dodgins · Dec 29, 2011

If you cleaned all cabels you might want to make sure all cabels are good. I had the same problem with my Kubota, it turned out the cabels were bad. Replaced them tractor fired right up. Jim

papa51 · Dec 29, 2011

Great advice, Jim. I just came in from my morning feeding and pulling the battery to have it checked by a professional. I noticed the ground cable does indeed look suspicious so I'm also planning on replacing it. I guess I might as well go ahead and get the positive one while I'm at the dealership. As you know, there are few things more aggravating than needing your tractor and it not start. I might go ahead and pull the switch and have it checked for continuity also. I'll post whatever I found was the problem. Thanks, again.