L48 ignition bypassing glow plug

[ejayb9]

FedEx delivered the new parts today.
16415-65600 (RELAY, GLOW PLUG)
37150-32240 (SWITCH, SAFETY)
35800-75070 (RELAY, STARTER)

16415-65662 (Controller) was changed on Wednesday. And I already changed the ignition switch.

STILL the same problem. The engine tries to turn over at the first position of the ignition switch. I took the battery out, cleaned the terminals and put it on a slow trickle charge for overnight. I'm headed to Tractor Supply tomorrow to get new terminal connectors and covers. Not that this has anything to do with it, but it will be good to cross it off the list. I'll also check all the fuses tomorrow.

Turn key first position, no glow plug light and tractor tries to turn over but never does. Only thing I can think of next is to change the glow plug.

 

[RickB]

Keep throwing parts at it, something will cure it sooner or later.

 

[rbargeron]

The problem comes and goes, right? They're the toughest to isolate. The starting circuit is sometimes getting an unintended ground somewhere in the wiring. A long shot is corrosion or shorting wires inside the solenoid on the starter.

 

[rbargeron]

Maybe try bypassing the built-in glow control system. Put one jumper cable on the battery + terminal, and carefully touch the other end to any one glow plug for a few seconds (they'll all run). Then turn the key....

 

[ejayb9]

The problem comes and goes, right? They're the toughest to isolate. The starting circuit is sometimes getting an unintended ground somewhere in the wiring. A long shot is corrosion or shorting wires inside the solenoid on the starter.

Yes, problem comes and goes, but this has been the worst stretch. Normally if I let it sit overnight it will work the next day, but it's been down for a week now.

I just went out and tried to start it. Key in first position was normal behavior. Glow plug light on dash lights up and then goes out. I turned key to next position to start engine, and it just tries to turn over but doesn't. I turned the key all the way off. Waited for about 20 seconds and turned key to first position and it tried to turn over right away. So the very first time I turned the key it was normal but the second time I tried to start it, the first position was messed up.

Battery is fully charged, I cleaned the terminals, and put in new connectors. All the relays in the dash are replaced. Tank is full and I added some treatment to it, just in case. I just got finished ordering new glow plugs, will take 5-7 to get those in.

I changed the starter, 2 summers ago. Hopefully that's not it. Will definitely be the last thing I replace.

 

[ejayb9]

Maybe try bypassing the built-in glow control system. Put one jumper cable on the battery + terminal, and carefully touch the other end to any one glow plug for a few seconds (they'll all run). Then turn the key....

I'm going to try this tomorrow.

I saw a couple of YouTube videos on how to check for resistance on the plugs. I'll try that too.

 

[rbargeron]

I've noticed you've described it a few times as.. "and it just tries to turn over but doesn't." Does this mean the starter turns the engine but it doesn't fire and run? Or does it mean the starter only clicks?

 

[ejayb9]

I've noticed you've described it a few times as.. "and it just tries to turn over but doesn't." Does this mean the starter turns the engine but it doesn't fire and run? Or does it mean the starter only clicks?

Sorry for the late response. I've been busy rewiring the entire thing. It's so incredibly irritating. I change something and think it's going to be fixed and still nothing. I'm getting ready to call the dealer and have them come out.

Anyway, to answer your question...the starter turns the engine but it doesn't fire and run. The engine is chugging away like normal if the key was in the start position but the key isn't in start its in the run position. So I'm thinking the plugs haven't had a chance to heat up and that's why it won't start. I changed the plugs, the bus bar across the plugs and the little nuts holding everything down. I wanted to eliminate any rust problems. So basically everything is nearly new. I've even changed out some of the wiring.

I did buy a shop manual from Ebay. So I'm trying to replace all wires from key switch to starter. I've changed every relay under the panel. Twice. Still the thing tries to turn over in first key position.

 

[K5lwq]

When it turns over in the first position, what happens when you turn the key to second or start position?

My thought on why it will not start is the fuel cut off solenoid is not energized. That normally takes place when key is in start position.

 

[rbargeron]

Just noticed you're in VA - an L48 should start with no help from the glow system - sounds like fuel isn't flowing when it just cranks

Agree with K5lwq - the stop solenoid (part 190 on attached) has to be powered and working for fuel to flow. Try feeling the stop solenoid while somebody turns the key on-off - should be able to detect the click. (stop solenoid withdraws at key-on)