massey 135 solenoid engages but starter motor won't turn over

[joetrotter]

Hey guys,

My '65 135 diesel won't start. I'm no mechanic but I did try a few things. I can hear the solenoid kick in, but no starter motor. I turned on the key switch and then held a screw driver from the large 12V lug on the solenoid to the starter motor and it fired right up. I figure its the contacts in the solenoid. There is a fuel leak (very very very slow drip ) from above the starter. I'll need to fix that. Figure its the gasket in what ever that thing is above it. It has a manual lever on it. Anyway, was wondering if 1) I'm on the right track or missing something 2) can I take the top off the solenoid and clean or replace those contacts 3) do I have to buy both a solenoid and starter motor or solenoid alone 4) what is that above the solenoid that is leaking and its purpose?

Thanks for any help for this total newbie

PS I actually don't mind when something not to major goes wrong cause I've never had the opportunity to work on anything and I love learning.

 

[Kenneth S]

That is the lift pump (some call it a fuel pump). The manual lever is used to prime the fuel system, it lets you use the lift pump without the engine running (you can work the pump with the lever, but not with the engine running).

 

[joetrotter]

thanks Kenneth S. Now I can at least not soound stupid when buying a gasket.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Hey guys,

My '65 135 diesel won't start. I'm no mechanic but I did try a few things. I can hear the solenoid kick in, but no starter motor. I turned on the key switch and then held a screw driver from the large 12V lug on the solenoid to the starter motor and it fired right up. I figure its the contacts in the solenoid. There is a fuel leak (very very very slow drip ) from above the starter. I'll need to fix that. Figure its the gasket in what ever that thing is above it. It has a manual lever on it. Anyway, was wondering if 1) I'm on the right track or missing something 2) can I take the top off the solenoid and clean or replace those contacts 3) do I have to buy both a solenoid and starter motor or solenoid alone 4) what is that above the solenoid that is leaking and its purpose?

Thanks for any help for this total newbie

PS I actually don't mind when something not to major goes wrong cause I've never had the opportunity to work on anything and I love learning.

The contacts in the solenoid are probably arced pretty badly and won't pass sufficient current to cause the starter to turn over. You bypassed those contacts with the screwdriver and that's why it started. Kinda' hard on screw drivers though! You maybe able to open the solenoid and rotate the starter contacts or clean them up, or you can spring for a new solenoid.

 

[joetrotter]

thanks Jerry/mt,

I found a solenoid aftermarket for $20 shipped. I may try to clean the contacts, but at worst I can replace the entire solenoid pretty cheap.