Intermittent Starting Issue on BX 2200

[kpbeddin]

Hi all,
About once every ten attempts, my BX will not start, i.e. will not turn over at all. I do hear the "ding" of the starter gear engaging the flywheel but not enough juice to turn over. So far after one or two more tries it will start. My first thought is the battery, however this has been happening since last summer and I would have expected the battery to have completely died by now. The battery is original and 10 yrs old. Any ideas or similar experiences?

 

[Deano]

Replace the battery. 10 years???!! You got your moneys worth!!

 

[kpbeddin]

Replace the battery. 10 years???!! You got your moneys worth!!

You think so? I was hoping to get a few more years out of it. Seriously, I do suspect it being the battey, but just curious if these are the symptoms I should suspect or if it could be a starter or ignition switch issue.

 

[brinet]

I had the same problem a couple of years ago. Turned out to be the positive battery cable. Check your cables thoroughly for loose connections, especially around the battery.

BTW, I did get about 10 years from my battery also. Replaced it thinking it was the problem. Imagine my disappointment when the new battery did the same thing!

 

[kpbeddin]

I had the same problem a couple of years ago. Turned out to be the positive battery cable. Check your cables thoroughly for loose connections, especially around the battery.

BTW, I did get about 10 years from my battery also. Replaced it thinking it was the problem. Imagine my disappointment when the new battery did the same thing!

Thank you; exactly the kind of information I was looking for. I checked the connections for tightness, but now I think I may pull them off, clean the posts, and take a closer look at the cables. It would be nice to avoid that same disappointment you had to endure.

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

KP

I have the same problem after replacing the battery. If you move the Hst back and forth from N to turtle to rabbit and then try to start that will solve your problem. Pull off the tire on that side of the tractor and take a look at the safety switch it may be loose or something blocking it. This is on my to do list.:duh:

 

[kpbeddin]

Thanks Tom- I had considered the safety switches but had sort of ruled that out since the tractor will usually start without my having to manipulate anything. Also the starter gear engages the flywheel under these conditions but will not do so when I purposely move the lever off of neutral position. I could be wrong in my assumption and agree that it would be a good idea to take a look at this switch just to make sure. Thanks for the information and reply.

 

[brinet]

All my battery connections were tight. Somehow, the positive wire had come loose INSIDE where it is molded into the battery clamp. I had checked the clamp to the battery many times, but when I eventually gave it a slight "tug" it would move in and out about 1/8". That was enough intermittent contact to cause the random no start condition.

Give us an update when you figure it out.