To split or not to split?

NewbyHomesteader · Aug 12, 2018

Our TO-20 has been sitting in the garage for 5+ years and a few lame attempts have not gotten her started, so I decided to troubleshoot this weekend. I replaced the battery, spark plugs, oil in crankcase and air filter. When I turned the ignition and tried to put her in start, I got nothing. No noise of any sort, just the red indicator light. It didn't feel like it went into start, but my clutch is also rusted to the flywheel (I think). The clutch didn't move when I first stepped on it, then it clunked to the bottom and doesn't return to the "up" position. Should I be troubleshooting the electrical system or would a stuck clutch prevent starting like this? I had been hoping I could get her running and free the clutch simply. Do I have to split now?

tractorsam · Aug 12, 2018

The clutch issue won?t keep it from turning the
engine over or starting. Generally if the clutch is
stuck you won?t know until you get it running. It
sounds like the adjustment on your clutch pedal is
loose and it?s slipped on the shaft. I certainly would
not split it at this point. Good luck. Sam

NewbyHomesteader · Aug 12, 2018

(reply to post at 13:08:35 08/12/18)

Phew. That makes me feel better. My car stick shift won't do anything if I forget to press in the clutch, but I'm sure that's monitored electronically. Thank you!

old · Aug 12, 2018

Always trouble shoot then parts never the other way around including working on things.
In your case it sounds like you either have a bad new battery or a starter switch or poor connections. Just because a battery is new does not mean it is good or charged. Here are a couple thing you can do but be 1000% sure it is out of gear and even better if you block the rear wheels. At the starter solenoid there should be 2 bigger studs. One goes to the battery and the other to the starter. Use a heavy piece of wire and short across the 2 big studs. You will get some sparks by the way but if the battery is good and the connection are good it should spin over. If the ignition is turned on when you do this it may even start or try to start. That is just one of a number of things to do but this is a start. Post back if you need more help and info

Steve@Advance · Aug 12, 2018

Does it still have the original starter switch on top of the transmission?

If so, the contacts could be corroded or fouled by mud dobbers, mouse nest, etc. Be sure the contacts are clean and closing fully when the lever is pushed. Could also be a bad connection, or stuck starter brushes. Really need a test light or volt meter to diagnose correctly.

As for the clutch, sounds like the release bearing is stuck to the input shaft sleeve. I believe there is an inspection cover on bottom of the bell housing. Look in and see what is happening. Either the clutch pedal slipped on the shaft (hopefully) or something broke inside the bell housing. If broken, it will have to come apart.

But I would concentrate on getting it running first. Was there a reason it was originally parked? Any information you can gather will be helpful making decisions about needed repairs, expense, and only having to split it once!

Bruce(OR) · Aug 13, 2018

I brought the wife's TO-20 home originally for $1900 with a Howard tiller on the back of it. Her's became a money pit and I am still not done
playing with it. Then along came a few others that we won't talk about....oops. As for your '20, get it running. The engine compression is
about 6:1 and you won't damage anything using starting fluid to cheat. If your running 12V on a 6V starter, just don't crank on it non-stop.
If you desire to use 12V on 6V to start it, let me know. It can be safely done. Are you running 6V pos ground still? Once it is running, you
can address the clutch issue. If you need to split it, I have a few tips on doing that also.
Email is open.

To split or not to split?

NewbyHomesteader

New User

tractorsam

Well-known Member

NewbyHomesteader

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old

Well-known Member

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

Bruce(OR)

Well-known Member

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