SLT 1554 STARTING PROBLEM

[RODCAR48]

when I turn the key to start the tractor it just "clicks". It will do this 30 - 40 times then turns over and starts fine. All of the contact seem fine, battery is fine and when the starter does engage it seems to operate properly. Anyone else found this problem or heard of a fix?

 

[7254t]

check valve clearance or flywheel key

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

when I turn the key to start the tractor it just "clicks". It will do this 30 - 40 times then turns over and starts fine. All of the contact seem fine, battery is fine and when the starter does engage it seems to operate properly. Anyone else found this problem or heard of a fix?

It sounds like you may have a problem with the starter solenoid. The solenoid has heavy current contacts inside that actually connect the battery to the starter motor, The click you hear is probably the solenoid engaging but the contacts may be burned so the current is not reaching the motor. If you are technically capable you can remove the battery cable from the solenoid and touch it to the large terminal on the starter. If the starter spins then the problem is likely in the solenoid. The solenoid can be replaced or I have on occasion taken them apart and filed the contacts clean or in some cases was able to rotate them to a clean spot and get several more years life.

Bob B.

 

[Fordlords]

Bob is dead on the money on this one. When I worked on motorcycles, I probably replaced at least 50 starter solenoids every spring rush- always the exact described symptom. The contacts inside the solenoid which is a magnetic switch will arc a bit during operation, eventually pitting up the contacts. Like Bob said with some of them you can be bold and take it apart and clean the contacts, with others (such as most on Japanese motorcycles and newer equipment) you end up tossing it in the trash and replacing it.

The starting system is a bit different on SLT1554's depending if it's a Command or Courage engine in it.

-Fordlords-