601 Starting problems

Don't know enough · Sep 6, 2014

I am new to this forum but thought I would give it a try. I have a 1958 601 that has been converted to 12V, this tractor runs great for me all the time and never has a problem starting. However, the other day I stopped for a few minutes and went back to start it and it would not turn over, I tried to jump it and it would not turn over, no sounds, no clicking nothing. I was able to pull it and get it started to get it out of the field but cannot figure out what it might be. Would anyone have any suggestions that may help me isolate the problem, I don't want to start just replacing parts. Thanks for your help in advance.

souNdguy · Sep 6, 2014

lets look at your observations.

it no longer turns over ( starter circuit ).

but WILL run if pull started. ( means ignition circuit is good, and battery is possibly good ).

First hing to do is check bat voltage at the bat side of the solenoid.

next check to see that turning the key on sends power to one of the small solenoid terminals.

next check that the trans thumb button will ground the other small terminal.

wen this happens. the solenoid should pull in and the starter side should see bat power.

while testing. be in neutral so you don't run yourself over.

heck. block clutch just for safety.

post back

Don't know enough · Sep 6, 2014

Thanks for the reply, what is the best way to check the battery voltage?

jeffkoh · Sep 6, 2014

Check the connections on the battery, just a little bit of
corrosion will cause a bad connection. Been there done that.

john in la · Sep 6, 2014

Do you have a test light or digital multimeter?

Don't know enough · Sep 6, 2014

I have a test light and ohm meter but I do not know how to use the ohm meter, it does about 50 thing and I cannot do one thing with it.

old · Sep 6, 2014

I could tell you do this or that but me I use simple ways to test thing no meter etc needed. Jumper across the solenoid be sure it is out of gear. If it spins over likely the solenoid is bad. If that does not work go from mthe ignition side of the battery right to the starter. If it does not turn over then battery is low or starter is bad.

john in la · Sep 6, 2014

OK we can work with a test light.

Hook the clamp end to a good ground. Since tractor is converted to 12 volts this will be the - battery post.
Touch the point end on test light on + battery post to make sure light is working.

WITH THE KEY ON AND THE TRANSMISSION IN NETURAL.

Touch the point end of the test light to the wire where it hooks to the starter push button on top of the transmission. Do you have power here.
If yes take the wire loose from push button and touch it to a clean ground (metal frame part)

Results????

If you did not have power at this wire back track till you find power.
The small post on solenoid
The other small post on solenoid
Both sides of the key switch

Post your results and we will go from there.

redruff · Sep 7, 2014

Does the little red light on the dash glow red when you turn the key on?

Could be very simple thing.
1. The key switch is going/is bad.

601 Starting problems

Don't know enough

New User

souNdguy

Well-known Member

Don't know enough

New User

jeffkoh

Member

john in la

Well-known Member

Don't know enough

New User

old

Well-known Member

john in la

Well-known Member

redruff

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