JD 2320 Won't Start

smartc · May 26, 2015

Yep tested the key switch itself tonight and it has a short in the START circuit. New part is about $100 and I already have the old one sitting beside my keyboard. Photo of culprit below. Good news indeed, considering the starter / solenoid is 13x that price!

Off to 'jdparts' right now to place an order. Hopefully will be in before the weekend, but looks like rain until mid next week anyway so not like I'll be needing the tractor before it gets here.

On a semi-related note, anyone know what kind of tool you'd use to install the nut for a key switch? (Or more specifically where you'd find it or what it's called?) The nut is circular and has two notches where you'd line up a specialty wrench of some sort to tighten it. You can see one of them in the photo above. I just used a pair of pliers to take the old one off, but would be nice not to mangle the finish on the new one when I put it on.

Cheers!
Corey

beenthere · May 26, 2015

Google "hook spanner wrench" as that appears to be what you need... or make something like it.

Fawken · May 27, 2015

$100? I just replaced mine with a compatible ignition switch off the shelf at TSC ($9.95).

buickanddeere · May 27, 2015

Shutting the engine down made it hotter than it would have been operating a no load and full rated Rpms.

smartc · May 27, 2015

Fawken said:
$100? I just replaced mine with a compatible ignition switch off the shelf at TSC ($9.95).

Good to know... Doesn't look like they have any stores in Alberta however. Do you know what the manufacturer / part number was that you picked up? I had a look at their supplier website and the only part I see for a 2320 under "Ignition & Electrical" is a starter relay. Don't have time to dig further right now but might prod deeper when I get home tonight.

Fawken · May 27, 2015

It's an ignition switch. Fairly simple. I adapted mine to the most common TSC switch I could find which is for an "N" series Ford. The original had the glow plugs incorporated so I put in a 10 amp SPST chrome push-button for that. The entire electrical system on mine has been replaced (except for the horn) with lights and bulbs available at TSC or NAPA. Result: way brighter headlights and no down time if something fails on the weekend.

beenthere · May 27, 2015

So Fawken has a JD 2320?

Fawken · May 27, 2015

No. Does Beinthere have an 1100? A switch is a switch. I suppose if your 2320 is still under warranty..........

smartc · Jun 5, 2015

Well so much for Plan A... Looks like it is indeed the starter. JD wants an obscene amount just for the part, but I've got a non-OEM starter on the way. I figured I may as well get the old one pulled out so I'm ready when it gets here. Now I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I'm stumped on getting it out. The two bolts are easy enough, but the motor mounting plate is in the way and I can't sort out how I'm meant to get the starter off.

The starter won't clear the lower mounting stud. I tried taking the rear nut off the stud, but that doesn't actually do anything for the stud itself, which is threaded into the housing. I had a look at the motor mounting plate (or at least that's what I think it is), but that doesn't look particularly inclined to move without some serious dismantling. Surely there's an easier way... I've got a technical manual on the way but it's probably a few days behind the starter itself.

Any tips or ideas?

Fawken · Jun 5, 2015

Two options:
One; take that nut off, put the starter back in place, and install both nuts on the stud on the engine side. Lock them together and you can then thread the stud further into the bell housing. OR....
Two: Go to the hardware and get two, thin nuts w/ the same threads and do the procedure from the backside of the bell housing.
Personally, since you're in waiting on part mode, I'd opt for number two.
BTW, darn that starter looks clean. Are you sure it's not just the solenoid? Either way you can probably rebuild it yourself on the bench pretty easily once your new on is installed. Then you'll have a ready-2-go back-up. I got a starter like that on Ebay about 4 years ago for $79 shipped. Installed it. Rebuilt my OEM expecting the Chinese starter would get me through one season- and guess what? That Chinese knock-off is still cranking like new.