Starting problem - electrical

   / Starting problem - electrical #1  

MEAKN

New member
Joined
Dec 4, 2010
Messages
6
Tractor
Kubota L2500
I have trouble trying to start my L2500. Many times when I turn the key to start, it just clicks. Most of the time if I continue to turn the key it will hit one of the times and turn the engine over & it will start. I removed the starter, and completely went through it. On the bench it works perfectly, but back on the tractor I have to go through the clicking thing. I also replaced the positive cable, and bought a new ignition switch, which I haven't installed yet. Any ideas? Thanks a bunch.
 
   / Starting problem - electrical
  • Thread Starter
#2  
By the way, I will also mention I have cleaned all of the terminals, installed a new battery, and done all of the normal things to solve this problem.
 
   / Starting problem - electrical
  • Thread Starter
#3  
OK, I broke down and used the search function, and I'm going to get the J.D. relay KUBMECH suggests. Thanks.
 
   / Starting problem - electrical #4  
Were the contacts in the starter solenoid OK? I would take a volt meter and run one lead to the battery positive and the other to the starter main lug to be sure you don't have a significant voltage drop. What ever the volt meter reads is what voltage you are loosing. Sure sounds like a bad connection. You could try taking jumper cables and go direct from the battery ground to the starter case to eliminate a bad ground as the cause. If it works with the jumper cable you know you need to work on the grounding side.

Kim
 
   / Starting problem - electrical
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Thanks Kim, but I'm pretty sure its going to have to be the J.D. relay solution followed by installing the new ignition switch.
 
   / Starting problem - electrical #7  
Might want to check ground wire also.
 
   / Starting problem - electrical #8  
K7LN: What I was meaning by using the jumper cable was to bypass the ground cable and its possible bad connection by going direct from the battery to the starter case.

I gather there is a separate starter relay (as apposed to the contacts built into the solenoid) on this tractor.

Kim
 
   / Starting problem - electrical #9  
MEAKN,
Do the JD Relay solution!
I did it on my 1980's L3750 after experiencing the same clicking problem.
Prior to the relay install, I did voltage measurements at the battery vs at the starter.
There was a voltage drop.
I opened the instrument panel and cleaned all the wire harness connectors that carried voltage from the battery to the starter.
I cleaned the battery and ground connections.
I replaced the fused link and battery.
After all this the voltage drop was reduced by 50%, and it worked great for six months. :(
Not wanting to go through this all again, I installed the relay.
I have not had a problem in two years. :)
Dave
 
   / Starting problem - electrical #10  
This is a common problem, not just JD; it takes a lot of current to activate the starter solenoid, as much as 30 amps. The wiring and switch contacts are not rated for such a large current. That is why a relay with larger cable is installed to handle the current.
 

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