Frustrated with Jinma 354 Start Problem

[cnsJohn]

My Jinma will not start. I've got voltage from the battery, thru the ignition switch and clutch switch. Gauges work when key is in on position, but when I turn the key to start, I get nothing, no clicks, nothing. Last time this happened I changed the starter solenoid and it cranked right up. I just changed it again, but still start up is dead. Where does the current go after leaving the clutch switch? To fuse block? (fuses are good). What electrical components are between the clutch switch and the starter solenoid?

Your insight and experience are greatly appreciated.

JohnJ

 

[Garycw]

Not sure from clutch switch. I thought starter. ? Sounds like you'll need someone to make sure try and start, make sure it's in Neutral, clutch fully depressed and a meter with long enough leads to be away from tires. See if voltage is making it to starter solenoid, and battery voltage good.
Could also DISCONNECT battery and check terminal connections on solenoid & starter.
Tommy at Affordable Tractor Parts may be able to help too.

 

[erj]

What voltage are you getting at the small terminal on the Solenoid when key is in Start position?

 

[quicksandfarmer]

What voltage are you getting at the small terminal on the Solenoid when key is in Start position?

I think this is the path to take. My recollection is that the current flows from fuse block to key switch to clutch switch to solenoid. Start at the solenoid and work backwards. Both key switch and clutch switch are known to fail.

 

[cnsJohn]

erj,

Thank you for the response. I'm sorry to take so long with my reply (been out of town). The battery tests good. I'm getting 12.8V at the large lug of the solenoid. When I turn the key to the start position, the voltage between the small terminal and ground is only 10.5V (with the small red wire connected to the solenoid or with it removed, measuring between the wire and ground). What could be causing the voltage drop?

 

[Bob Rooks]

What could be causing the voltage drop?

That would be the coil draw in the solenoid motor. You should also see a corresponding drop on the large solenoid battery terminal. Have you tried jumping between the two large solenoid terminals? (Be sure the transmission is in neutral and the wheels blocked).

 

[cnsJohn]

Bob,

Thanks for the insight. Haven't tried going directly to starter side of the solenoid, as I wasn't sure if the starter would hold up to the battery current.

I considered the solenoid coil might drop the voltage, so I checked the voltage directly on the return wire (with the wire removed from the solenoid, so without the coil in the loop). The voltage stayed at 10.5.

If it won't hurt the starter, I'm willing to just it directly from the battery.

 

[cnsJohn]

Update: I did try jumping directly from the battery to the starter side of the solenoid (with the key in the run/on position). I had spark, but no starter function.
Also, I tighten a ground wire at the fuse block. Now I at least get a click at the solenoid when attempting to start. Guess I'll pull the starter and have it tested at Advance Auto.

Any other ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Bob Rooks]

I'm willing to just it directly from the battery.

It won't hurt the starter at all, but be prepared for a spark (the sparking normally takes place at the contacts inside the solenoid cap).
I usually just use a screwdriver across the two large terminals on the solenoid. Be sure the wheels are blocked and the transmission is in neutral because this by-passes everything.

 

[Bob Rooks]

Update: I did try jumping directly from the battery to the starter side of the solenoid (with the key in the run/on position). I had spark, but no starter function.
Also, I tighten a ground wire at the fuse block. Now I at least get a click at the solenoid when attempting to start. Guess I'll pull the starter and have it tested at Advance Auto.

Any other ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Assuming all electrical connections are sound, sounds like the starter itself has issues. You can remove the brush access cover and take a look at the comm and check brush spring tension.