John Deere 4210 just clicks

[ciscokid]

This is an '02 4210 with a 3 cylinder Yanmar diesel. When I turn the key all I get is a single loud click (clack?). I replaced the battery and starter (no easy job) and the issue remains. The clicking (clacking?) sound appears to be coming from the other side of the engine than the starter is on. The starter is on the left side of the engine (while seated on the unit) and the sound seems to be coming from the right rear of the engine. This problem started out being intermittent, but now the unit won't start at all. Any suggestions?

 

[Tx Jim]

What the tractors battery voltage? You might consider installing an extra relay similar to older model JD utility tractors to give original starter solenoid more exciting amperage.

 

[ciscokid]

Thank you for the reply, Tx Jim. I have an update to my original post. I took my trusty multimeter and attached the black lead to an exhaust part and attached the red lead to the main terminal on the starter. It read 10.56 volts with no key on. Just for the heck of it I turned the key to see if the voltage would change and the tractor fired up! This is a tractor that hasn't started in four months! So - was this coincidence or did I change something by hooking up that meter? Whatever it was, while she's running I'm going to use her to pull my small manure spreader around. We'll see if she starts tomorrow and go from there. Appreciate the advice on the extra relay. Think I'll follow that advice for insurance even if I have no more issues.

 

[jimmysisson]

Battery terminals? Poor cable that looks good? Meter shouldn't change anything.
Jim

 

[ciscokid]

Update to 4210 issue. While I had the unit started, I ran it for a little over an hour and got my manure pile completely spread (about six loads in all). I finished up and parked the tractor and turned it off. 15 minutes later I tried restarting and all I get is the clack. I tried the multimeter trick again to no avail, showing me that the first time was merely coincidental. Multimeter is now showing 11.6 volts at the main lug off the starter so at least the battery got a little charge while the tractor was running. I am attaching a photo below showing where I believe this single clack comes from each time I turn the key. I can actually feel the vibration from the clack if I have my hand on this unit. On the left side of the photo, there is what looks like a small solenoid. What is this and, if this solenoid is not engaging, why would it prevent a signal to be sent to my starter solenoid, which I believe to be built into the starter unit itself? I'm clearly looking at what appears to be fuel injection, but why won't the starter turn if the problem is in the injection? Thank you in advance for any light someone might shed on this issue.
O.K. So I can't upload photos to this site. Question still stands - what in my fuel injection system would prevent my starter from engaging???

 

[Tx Jim]

Update to 4210 issue.
O.K. So I can't upload photos to this site. Question still stands - what in my fuel injection system would prevent my starter from engaging???

The noise I think you hear at the fuel inj pump is the solenoid that turns fuel on/off but it has nothing to do with starter operation.

 

[Egon]

The clack is the fuel solenoid.

Check out all the safety shutdowns. Wiggle the wiring harness. Maybe clean up all the connections and use a dialectic grease.:

 

[cs hunter]

Did you get this problem solved? I have a 4210 and it is doing the same -just loud click when tiring to start. Any help solving this problem would be appreciate.

 

[wupham]

If it clicks when you turn on the key, it is the fuel solenoid. If not, it may be not enough juice. See the following.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...40-b2400-starting-problem-finally-solved.html

 

[ch1ch2]

I am guessing cause I do not know the 4210, but I think the click is a good thing. The fuel solenoid doing what it should.
The failure to start is the safety start circuit.
Check all your interlocks.
Clutch, brake, neutral, operator present or anything else you may have.

 

[hhsco]

Battery terminals? Poor cable that looks good? Meter shouldn't change anything.
Jim

Agreed, check the cables and clamps. They can wiggle around and without a really good connection on a charged battery they won't do much. Also check and make sure your ground is good. I had a ground bolt completely rust out on an older machine and cause a similar issue.

 

[MF283]

Agreed, check the cables and clamps. They can wiggle around and without a really good connection on a charged battery they won't do much. Also check and make sure your ground is good. I had a ground bolt completely rust out on an older machine and cause a similar issue.

2nd this

from experience.
Ronnie