MF 1165 won't turn over, suddenly

[flat rock]

Hey guys, obvious first post....

I have a MF 1165 with front end loader..4x4...rops.. etc. Regularly serviced, in good condition, never had any problems with it.... Runs like a champ.

After using it for some light scraping with a scrape blade the other day, i finished up and came back to the house and parked it. Everything was normal.

The next day i went outside to finish. Get in, gears in neutral, press in the clutch, stick the key in....


First click on the ignition switch and all the lights come on as usual. You can hear the glow plugs clickin'. But when i try to crank it, absolutely no response. Nothing. It doesn't even try to turn over. After looking around, there's no loose wires, everything is in place as usual, etc. Opened up the panel behind the steering wheel (behind ignition/instruments) and found a spring broken. It appears to have gone from the clutch pedal to a hanger on the frame. I got a replacement and replaced it.

Still no luck.

I ran a 12g wire from the battery to the starter (with the key turned on, brake set, everything in neutral, etc)
Starter turns, engine didn't crank.

Here i sit.... any ideas?

 

[BeeferMan]

Sounds like you might have two problems there (no juice to the starter, starter doesn't engage when activated), but I'd address the first one first, and my first guess would be that you have a safety switch open somewhere. This is where a schematic of the electrical system is invaluable. Can't offer any shortcuts, after checking the switches visually you just have to start tracing the problem...

 

[DieselMonk]

when you start the engine, make sure that the fuel solenoid is powered on, otherwise she gets no fuel to start and thinks the key is in a OFF position. You can check that with a multimeter.

 

[WilliamBos]

The yellow dial for the PTO, assuming you have one, it is in the off position, right?