TO 30 wont start

Ron in NY

New User
Hi Guys, need some help here on my good ole TO30. I have had the machine for quite a while. 12 volt conversion with alternator and solid state ignition. Always has started on the first turn. Today I moved it up to the garage to gas it up for a day of bush hogging. Then no start. Heard a very slight electric arcing sound. Started to check voltage. Good battery at 12.4 volts. 12.4 at the center tap on the key switch, 9.8 volts on the adjacent start tap. About .2 volts on the starter motor cable at the bellhousing. I am wondering if I have a bad neutral safety switch?. How can I check this and how is it removed if I need to. Any other ideas? It has been very trouble free for many years. Thanks, Ron
 
You'll want to "load test" the starter switch. With the switch held in the start position, both terminals of the switch should have voltage.

If neither side has voltage, there is a problem ahead of the switch, like a loose battery cable, low battery, bad battery, etc.

If the battery side has voltage and the starter side doesn't, the switch is bad.

If both sides have voltage, and the starter isn't cranking, there is a problem in the starter, or the cable between the switch and starter is loose or bad.

To change the switch, remove the 4 bolts, lift the switch. Tie a wire to the linkage so it won't fall down, remove the linkage pin.
 
Thanks Steve. With the key on and the gear shift holding in the start position, I am getting only about 0.2 volts on the starter cable lug on the switch. Guess it's a bad switch. What would be the way to start the tractor until I get the switch replaced?.
 
I have taken a screwdriver and jumped the two post on the starter switch (make sure tractor is in neutral!! as you will be standing on the ground beside the tractor to do this) an other way is to install a ford type starter solenoid and a push button starter! same apply's make sure tractor is in neutral!!
 
There is a small amount of adjustment on these switches. If you slacken the screws securing it to the top of the Clutch Housing slightly and slide it forwards and tighten, you may find that is enough to allow it to work again. If it doesn't you need to replace the switch. They have them on this site in the parts section. To start it temporarily, you could use a jump lead from its own battery to the Starter. Just touch it on the battery terminal, don't clamp it on..John(UK).. [email protected]
 
Like John said, try to adjust it first. But if you jump across it, use an old pair of pliers of a heavy piece of wire.

Don't use a small wire!!! It will instantly turn red hot in your fingers!
 
Thanks guys for all the replies. To close this thread with the solution, I have to admit that it was easier than I thought. I should have paid more attention to the small spark noise I heard. I found a corroded battery connection at the start switch and also on the positive terminal on the battery. Both connections created a very low voltage under load and no start. Cleaned everything up, and now works like a champ. Sure acted like the neutral safety switch. Thanks for all the ideas.
 

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