John Deere 27C starter

[tundraman01]

How do you get to the starter on the 27C? I can't even see it. My machine won't start, I just get a clicking when I turn the key. The battery was eight years old so I put a new one in; still just clicking and one start out of several attempts. I thought I would start looking at the connections on the starter. I don't even know if there's a solenoid or relay in there. Anyone know where the starter parts are and how do I get to them?

 

[Pooroldexcavator]

My relay is under my control panel. But my machine is Ihi35j. Service manual can help a lot. What motor do you have?

 

[tundraman01]

The engine is an Isuzu 3LD2.
I hear the clicking from behind me and to the right.

 

[Roadworthy]

Before you begin tearing things apart, although you got a new battery did you clean the terminal connectors on your cables? A little oxidation can go a long way preventing a start. Be sure terminals are tightened securely. If you can rotate it on the battery by hand it's too loose. Follow the ground lead to the frame. Is that connection clean and secure?

 

[tundraman01]

I cleaned the terminals. There was corrosion on the old battery. I can't see where the ground wire is connected to the frame. It's horrible. The battery is in a small compartment under the top step and the wires disappear behind walls. If it was more typical like a tractor or car; I would replace the cables also. I can't see the ends of the cables. Unless there's a hatch I'm not recognizing as such; it looks like something has to be removed to get to the starter.

 

[Pooroldexcavator]

My 3Ld1 starter is prone to clicking. The copper washer contact points wear out and pit loosing contact. I’ve brought a kit and rebuilt mine. From the underneath of your machine take cover off to access the motor. Your starter will be on the side closest to your seat. Two 17mm bolts hold it on. Disconnect your battery before attempting to remove it.

 

[tundraman01]

There is no cover under my motor. There are two access ports. One just looks at the oil pan, the other looks at a hydraulic pump(I think). My engine compartment opens from the rear. Looking at the motor from the rear, facing forward, the fan is on the right. If I hold a mirror past the motor, I can see the alternator low and to the right and I think the starter to the low left but I have no idea how I could get either one out. There is a big circular cover underneath the big rotating bearing; do you mean that cover?
It looks to me like the access should be right behind the seat; but I'm not sure how much stuff I would have to remove to get the seat off.

 

[tree farmer]

A quick and painless way to check the quality of the ground is to connect a jumper cable from the ground post of the battery to the engine block. Also make sure you have at least 12.5 volts to the battery, or it won't crank.......Dan.

 

[laurencen]

different machine but my Deere skidsteer the back of the seat hinges up to access the motor area, there is a catch lever under the seat, worth looking

 

[Pooroldexcavator]

There is no cover under my motor. There are two access ports. One just looks at the oil pan, the other looks at a hydraulic pump(I think). My engine compartment opens from the rear. Looking at the motor from the rear, facing forward, the fan is on the right. If I hold a mirror past the motor, I can see the alternator low and to the right and I think the starter to the low left but I have no idea how I could get either one out. There is a big circular cover underneath the big rotating bearing; do you mean that cover?
It looks to me like the access should be right behind the seat; but I'm not sure how much stuff I would have to remove to get the seat off.

Not that cover that’s usually to get to swing motor. Yes alternator will be on side with fan. Starter is to the left

 

[Pooroldexcavator]

From the pictures I see of you machine there has to be a access cover under your seat

 

[tundraman01]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I got it running. It was the ground as a few of you thought. I still have a couple of questions. I tried running a jumper cable from the negative of the battery to the engine compartment. The engine looks painted so I didn't try that. Would that have still worked? Instead, I used the metal latch that's bolted to the frame. It is steel with a gold finish that I guessed would conduct electricity. The engine started! I found where the black wire went to the frame. It all looked fairly corroded. I replaced the ground wire and cleaned everything up. It now starts fine.
Another question: What causes the white powder corrosion? Is it a sign something else is wrong? Will it be less now that I've established a better ground? If anyone reads this and knows how to access the side of the engine facing forward; I would still like to know. I'm pretty sure it's not under the seat, although that's possible, a lot of stuff would have to be removed. On the left side, there's a panel that the fuel filler comes through. Only three bolts appear to hold that panel on to the frame. I can see the inside of it from the back engine compartment hatch. My only hesitation is the fuel filler. There's a rubber seal between it and the panel. Do those usually come off and go back on easily?