Allis Chalmers 180 will not crank/electrical problem

I have a 1970 Allis Chalmers 180 that has served me well. I am not well versed on the electrical system however and need some help.

Recently I went out to start the tractor on a cold day and it cranked over just fine but did not start. I continued to try and start it but after a couple more tries everything stopped. I am talking released the button waited 20 seconds and pushed the button nothing! Batteries were/are not dead.

Every time I push the starter button the voltage regulator (I think) makes a single click. If I turn on the key the voltage regulator sometimes makes a humming/vibration noise. I figured that was the problem so I ordered a rebuilt one online. Same results.

What do you all think is wrong with the tractor. Looking for a next step?
 
As I recall, the most likely cause of your symptoms was a compromised(rust and/or heat damaged) connection at the key and/or starter switch.

This is assuming that your starter works normally when the wiring is bypassed.
 
Click as in starter solenoid is going bad or you have bad connections some place. Or the starter it self is going bad. Ways to check is short across the 2 big terminals on the solenoid and if it spins over then the solenoid is bad if it does not the starter is bad you you have a bad connection some place
 
The clicking noise is coming from the voltage regulator on the top of the tractor. I am getting nothing at the starter or solenoid. I have not tried to short it over yet.
 
The voltage regulator has nothing to do with the ignition or start circuit each are there own circuit. Broken wire or bad ignition switch etc can also be your problem. As long as the battery has a good charge and the cables are clean tight and bright then your problem has to be the solenoid or ignition switch or wire or starter.
 
You might also want to check your ground cable. As I recall the 180 and 185 came with two batteries, connected with one positive and one ground cable. The ground was bolted to the battery box and not to the frame of the tractor. Your cables are probably not original, but chances are the ground is still bolted onto the box. Good chance for a bad connection. I'd suggest you try to move it to one of the transmission shift cover bolts.
 
Gentlemen the problem was in fact the ground cable! As beat up as my cables are they may very well be the originals.

Thanks to everyone for your input. Much better than buying a bunch of unneeded parts and still having a tractor that would not start.
 
One thing about wires be they small or be they big like battery cables you can not see if they are bad with your eyes and even a meter will not always tell you the truth
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top