Starter Solenoid throwing sparks

[LaytonAg]

When I tried to start my YM2310 on Saturday I noticed sparks from the engine compartment. So, I opened the hood and observed while I had my son try to start the tractor. I saw sparks coming from 1 of the two large lugs on the end of the starter solenoid. I tried to start it again and just get a loud clicking sound when I turn the key all the way over. What do the sparks mean? Has anyone experienced this? Thanks.

 

[winston1]

Did you check the connections at the solenoid to see if they were tight? sounds like a loose connection. The clicking sound is the solenoid trying to engage but not getting enough current.

 

[careyo63]

I would go ahead and remove and clean the connections just to make sure you have a good clean ones. Just because you tighten them up does not mean you have a good connection. I woud also check and clean if needed my battery and the ground to the tractor while I was at it.

Carey

 

[Smoody]

Sounds like battery is about shot.

 

[ninefinger]

I would go ahead and remove and clean the connections just to make sure you have a good clean ones. Just because you tighten them up does not mean you have a good connection. I woud also check and clean if needed my battery and the ground to the tractor while I was at it.

Carey

Sound advice. Troubleshooting any electrical problem needs a good starting point and that is how you get there.

 

[Neat 1500]

it is either loose connections on the starter terminals or the contacts in the cap are arcing out due to a bad contact

 

[LaytonAg]

Thanks to all for the strategies for solving. I took the connectors off of the solenoid and cleaned them up with a little steel wool and tightened them up good and the tractor started right up.