Massey 1652: Dead

[jymbee]

Has always started with no problems whatsoever. Parked it about a week ago and went out to start it and... nothing. Totally dead. Figured I must have somehow left lights on or some such thing so connected to battery jump starter and it read 80%. Went ahead and charged it to 100% anyway. Still nothing happens when turning the key.

Some friends more mechanically inclined that I said that even though the battery read 100% it could still be the issue issue. Went to the dealer and their battery tester came back with "Replace Battery". Well, ok... it is the original battery and it's going on 10 years of use so what's a couple hundred bucks? Took the new battery home, hooked it up-- no difference whatsoever.

Same friends went over everything the could think of, fuses, position of various controls, etc. but couldn't come up with anything. Dealer mobil repair supposed to come in a couple of days but as that's bound to be a bit pricey, wondering if perhaps anyone here might have some suggestions as to where to look? I imagine there are MANY possibilities but figured worth a shot.

 

[5030]

Try cleaning the battery terminals.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Check any of the safety switches ... Occasionally my PTO switch will get stuck and it won't start, flick it with my fingernail and back to work!

 

[lpakiz]

Can you bypass all potential electrical issues by simply "jumping" the solenoid? If you attempt this, please be SURE the tractor is in neutral and the brakes firmly locked.
Jumping the starter is simply connecting the smaller "energiser" terminal on the starter to a source of 12 volts. The handiest source of 12 volts is the big battery cable on the starter.
If you do this and the engine cranks, you know that it is some fault in the circuitry that brings 12 volts to the small energizer terminal.

 

[jymbee]

Check any of the safety switches ... Occasionally my PTO switch will get stuck and it won't start, flick it with my fingernail and back to work!

Thanks, but yes all positions of all switches were checked.

 

[jymbee]

Can you bypass all potential electrical issues by simply "jumping" the solenoid? If you attempt this, please be SURE the tractor is in neutral and the brakes firmly locked.
Jumping the starter is simply connecting the smaller "energiser" terminal on the starter to a source of 12 volts. The handiest source of 12 volts is the big battery cable on the starter.
If you do this and the engine cranks, you know that it is some fault in the circuitry that brings 12 volts to the small energizer terminal.

Interesting idea. I will pass this along to the friends who are helping me with this. Thanks for the input.

 

[Casaid1]

Can you bypass all potential electrical issues by simply "jumping" the solenoid? If you attempt this, please be SURE the tractor is in neutral and the brakes firmly locked.
Jumping the starter is simply connecting the smaller "energiser" terminal on the starter to a source of 12 volts. The handiest source of 12 volts is the big battery cable on the starter.
If you do this and the engine cranks, you know that it is some fault in the circuitry that brings 12 volts to the small energizer terminal.

I second this. It will tell you where to start diagnostics. If jumping doesn't work. Change the batteries, and try again. If that doesn't work try bringing the starter in to get tested. If the starter and batteries are good. Try a new key solenoid/cylinder. If all of that is good. Determine continuity in all cables/connection/posts.

 

[lpakiz]

What my test above does is proves that the battery is adequate, the cables and connections and the starter motor are good.
Don't waste time looking for a fault there.