Starter problem, 354

[Seasoned Carpentry]

My 354 won't start. The starter spins just fine. When I take it off the tractor and put it on the bench, the solenoid and starter work like a champ. But when I put it back in the tractor the starter spins but won't engage the flywheel. Solenoid? But why does it work on the bench? It matters not whether I use the ignition switch or jump it at the starter. And it matters not whether I jump it with another battery.

 

[Affordable]

If the solenoid is working on the bench it should be working on the tractor ??You may want to take it to a starter shop and have it checked, also check out the ground cable on the tractor

Tommy
Affordable Tractor Sales
Bellville,Texas
979-865-4002

 

[Ranch_Hand_Supp]

If the starter motor runs and the Solenoid will hold the starter drive out ......... then my guess the starter drive is bad.

You can purchase just the starter drive.

Ronald
Ranch Hand Supply

 

[Seasoned Carpentry]

Is there some sort of clutch in the starter drive that might be bad? So that the solenoid would engage, the starter spin, but the starter gear engaged with the flywheel not be rotating? Is it easy to remove the starter drive from the starter? When I had the starter off I didn't notice that the drive section of the starter was removeable.

Thank you two very much for your suggestions.

 

[Soundguy]

I've seen some ratcheting clutch drives on ford starters.. but they either worked and gabbed. or the teeth were too worn to work.. either way.. you replace dthe drive it the starter spun up and out and the engine didn't turn.

Last thing to check is to see if there are teeth missing on yer flywheel!!

Soundguy

 

[Seasoned Carpentry]

The flywheel teeth are perfect. This one's got me puzzling!

 

[greg_g]

The flywheel teeth are perfect. This one's got me puzzling!

When you bench test the starter with 12v, you said the pinion comes out properly. But does the pinion gear spin on the pinion shaft? Of course, it parasitic rotation may make it look like the pinion shaft is turning the pinion gear. But will the pinion gear still try to turn if - say, held in a vice when bench voltage is applied?

Because - once installed - it's possible that everything's working, except - when the pinion gear engages the ring gear - that maybe it's only the pinion shaft turning. The gear itself may be idling. Might be as simple as a missing/broken clip or key. Rebuilding (here) costs about $65, replacement price (with OE) is maybe $160.

//greg//

 

[Seasoned Carpentry]

The pinion does indeed turn as if working properly but I didn't have the balls to try and restrain it. That could indeed be the problem. Anyone ever pull a starter apart?

 

[greg_g]

The pinion does indeed turn as if working properly but I didn't have the balls to try and restrain it. That could indeed be the problem. Anyone ever pull a starter apart?

I've done it on the QD100C3. I've seen inside half a dozen, both new and used. Every single one was in desperate need of cleaning and lubrication right out of the box. Since yours is not new, you might consider removing/inspecting/replacing the brushes as well.

It's not a difficult proposition, the hardest part I encountered was separating the solenoid lever from the starter housing. After that, everything was pretty straightforward - including reassembly and reinstallation. But if there's something wrong electrically or mechanically, cleaning/lubing would be a waste of effort. Compare the cost of your time, against what it would cost you for a diagnostic fee at an auto electric shop.

//greg//

 

[Affordable]

We have the complete new starters in stock that we can ship out today if your undecided or tired of fooling with it.The complete new starter with solenoid is not that expensive to purchase,you could then have time to rebuild or repair your other one and keep it on the shelf if it happened again

Tommy
Affordable Tractor Sales
979-865-4002