New to the forum (and tractors too!)

[mksnyder]

Hi Guys,

I originally posted this to the General Operation forum and they suggested that I also post to the Mitsubishi specific board, so here we go...

New to 'country living' (and this forum) and we are small scale, we have 5.5 acres in far southwestern Idaho (Parma/Payettte County).

I just picked up a 'gray market' Mitsubishi D2050 primarily for brush work, and moving a little dirt.

It has a 25hp diesel engine. The tractor runs great, has plenty of power, doesn't seem to be having any mechanical issues, but, when I turn it off after running for an hour or so, it won't start until it has had time to cool off. I checked the radiator, it doesn't appear to be overheating, and the coolant level is staying steady, no water in the oil or anything like that.

It reminds me of my 'first car' and when the starter would go bad it wouldn't start after it got warm. Replace the starter and everything was great.

My question is, could this be a similar situation? Next question would be where to start looking for a starter for the thing?

Thanks to all who may be able to assist.

 

[oliver28472]

That's odd. Will the starter turn the motor at all when motor is hot? Make sure your battery is good and have clean connections at both ends of both battery cables. You can take the battery to a parts store and they will load test it for free. The starter can be rebuilt at a good starter/generator/alternator rebuilder.

 

[mksnyder]

Well it's been 3 days now and it gets a little weirder:

Now, after it gets warmed up there is NO cranking, the battery is completely depeleted. I put the battery on a trickle charger and after about an hour (and after the tractor has cooled overnight), it will fire right up.

So it seems more and more like battery maybe. The battery 'looks' good. Clean, no cracks in the case, and the terminals are very clean. I haven't taken them off yet, there *could* be some corrosion on the inside near the posts I guess. Also the frame has been recently painted and the ground from the battery is connected directly to the frame. I should probably remove that and wire brush all of the paint off and then reconnect. I also read that it may be better to connect that ground to the motor directly rather than the frame.

LOVE the tractor tho, just the right size for the job.

Let me know if there are any other suggestions.

Sincerely,

M. Snyder

 

[Bird]

First the disclaimer: I'm not a mechanic. Now as for what I'd do. First, I'd take that ground cable loose from the frame and clean both that spot on the frame and the cable end, then re-connect it, as you mentioned. I wouldn't think going directly to the engine should be necessary. Then I'd remove both cables from the battery, clean the battery posts and the cable ends, then while the cables are disconnected, check the battery with a good multi-meter. A battery can "look" clean and good and still be bad. Good luck with it.

 

[mksnyder]

Bird,

Heading out to give that a try now...I'll keep you posted...and thanks for the tips on the forum posting, I'll keep it in mind.

M. Snyder

 

[oliver28472]

Adding to what Bird said, I bought a used Club Car Carryall I that had a good looking battery in it. It was so good that it was still within its one year warranty for free replacement. However this battery was in fact not good. Replaced for free at WalMart and no more problems.