FMD

larbear · Oct 11, 2016

I have a FMD I have been running for about five years now. When I go to start it there isn't enough of a connection to turn the engine over. I've had the battery checked, it is good and not that old. I've changed the main cables from the battery to the ground and selenoid.A year ago I was going through selenoids till I got one from what I take to be an original supplier for these tractors. I start the tractor by lifting the decompression lever to let it turn over and knock that down with a wrench and stars and runs fine. This summer haybineing I went to start the tractor and no start, not thinking I let the farmer offer a boost no go. He then towed me,he towed the tractor and haybine, when I let out on the clutch the tire of the major dragged rather than turn the engine over. We did this more than once till I remembered the decompression routine. Is there a compression lock happening or is it electrical? The electrical is to my mind in good shape.

Majorman · Oct 12, 2016

Just a point, the decompressor is only for use when you are turning the engine on the hand crank. By using it to start the engine you may destroy the valve rockers, push rods and shaft. Seen it done many times over the years.

What gear where you in when you tried to tow start? You have to be in the highest gear which is 6th (or 3rd High). If you try and use any other gear the rear wheels will just slide.

If you are sure you have a good battery, at least 120 AH, and you have the correct size of cable then you possibly have a faulty starter motor. They do get tired over the years and although they still turn, will show up like a flat battery.

The Major is renowned for starting, even if it has a worn engine. Normally if it goes over one compression it is running. Does not need starting fluid or decompressor normally and has an excess fuel button on the injection pump. I have seen people start them by wrapping a rope around the belt pulley and pulling it!

larbear · Oct 12, 2016

I know the manual I have says not to use the decompression feature to start. Thank you for explaining why. I had the starter looked at and worked on not long after I purchased the tractor, I will have it looked at again. I didn't realize the necessity of being in high gear when being towed, that explains a lot. I use the extra fuel button always when starting cold, it fires right up. Have you ever heard of pistons cracking with the use of ether? That is something refered to in the red power forum, talking about farmalls?

Majorman · Oct 13, 2016

Yes quite a few times, if too much ether is sprayed in you can get a hydraulic lock that breaks the top ring. That then takes the side out of the piston. The Fordson Dexta will really smash the pistons up as well. Problem is an operator who does not squirt in a little but holds the can over the intake and keeps spraying.

Being an ex-Ford dealer mechanic and manager we used to see a lot of engines in for repair where ether had been over-used.

I have a Super Major that was just like yours, slow turning over so no start even with another battery jumping it. Put on a second hand starter and it was a different tractor. I too had the old unit checked over and was told it was OK, I even stripped it out and checked it myself.

cdmn · Oct 13, 2016

I had a Fordson diesel which wouldn't start. Finally my brother, the mechanic, came and
checked it out. He determined the injector pump rack was stuck. Just poked at it and it
popped back. After making sure fuel was going through, the engine started with gusto on
half a crank.

larbear · Oct 26, 2016

Thanks for the input.

FMD

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cdmn

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