Starting problems '65 JD

[Draagyn]

I recently got a 1965 John Deere 3020 with front end loader. Everything has been working good until lately it's had trouble starting. Starting solenoid always clicks in and starter always turns, but sounds like it has a drained battery. Jump started it with my truck a handful of times and it fired up no problems every time. Now today it fired on little juice left in its battery. I tried to move it before engine was warm and it stalled and won't start now being jumped by truck. I'm getting a new battery and terminals tomorrow as the current ones are in rough shape. If I have time when I get back from town I will also check all power connections on tractor and maybe take apart starting solenoid to see if power is getting transferred through it efficiently. By the time I get this done I should have the electrical out of the equation.

What I'm wondering, is there anything that would put excessive drag on the motor when starting that would give the starting motor that "drained battery" kinda sound. Maybe a hydraulic dump valve?

Thanks!

 

[wolftree]

Take care of the electrical first. Clean EVERY contact.

 

[Wrenchin]

when cranking over see if loader moves very slightly may have valve sticking ?

 

[Tx Jim]

Hyd pump can be trying to build pressure during cranking which puts extra load on starter. While attempting to crank engine rapidly move steering wheel back & forth to relieve hyd pressure. If moving steering wheel back & forth helps starting you can purchase & install a hyd pump destroking screw for about $15

 

[horsefly]

Draagyn. I have the exact same problem with a JD300, please follow up on what you find, it may be helpful to
myself and others. I've cleaned all the electrical contacts with no change. Don't mean to hijack your thread, just
encouraging a final follow up since many posts are never closed with results. Thanks

 

[Draagyn]

Thanks for the input everyone!! I have a new battery and terminals to be installed tomorrow!

Wrenchin- are you implying that it may be my hand lever loader valve sticking or some other valve cause that?

Jim- I will try your steering wheel test tomorrow before and after installing the new battery, see if it makes a difference.

I will follow up tomorrow evening.
Thanks!

 

[Wrenchin]

yes I worked on one the loader valve spool itself in the valve body was worn from very old hydro oil and speedy dry ,yes speedy dry, in system so when cranking over oil pressure would build up in loader and putting load on engine /starter, thanks good luck

 

[Draagyn]

Luckily I needed a new battery for my truck too! I waited for 15 minutes for the kid at the store to fill my new tractor battery, only to get it all installed and find there is not a drop of acid in it.... ARG!! The joys of living in the country.

I wired in my new truck battery to the tractor and it turned over right away but no fire. Watched the loader, activated loader valve, wiggled steering wheel, engaged/disengaged PTO. Nothing worked! Put my hand over exhaust pipe to feel compression, seemed good. Sealed exhaust off with palm of hand and it fired up right away... Why?!?!

 

[Draagyn]

Gas engine, vertical exhaust, no flapper, 45 degree bend exhaust tip..

 

[Wrenchin]

It makes just enough back pressure causing a vacuum,like when you put your hand over an open carb with no filter causing it to choke,works well when you run out of fuel.glad it was only a battery problem.