1949 12v 8n with issues starting

operationnos · Oct 14, 2017

Good morning all, long time lurker here who finally hit an issue that I couldn't resolve by just browsing the old posts.

I have a 1949 8N with the 12v conversion. It was starting just fine until about a week ago and now I just get a click at the solenoid. Price was right so I just tossed on another solenoid (Tisco #8N11450) but I'm still getting the same issue.

It needed a new battery and cables so I put those on today but still having the same problem. I tested the volts on the right post of the solenoid and it's at 12.8v, the left post and the starter post while pressing the ignition (push button with key, yes, I'm always out of gear Dell) is just over 6v. Still, just a clicking sound.

I believe my wiring is solid (replaced connectors) and the ground location measures well... any advice would be appreciated.

Jim in Western MI · Oct 14, 2017

Same thing happened to me; it was the starter. (A discharged battery and/or poor connections will do the same, but you appear to have overcome that.) Took it off and it came apart! Learned to put a nut on the first of the two bolts when removing it. After cleaning it up, it appeared the brushes were worn and the commutator was dirty. It had probably been in the tractor 50 years at that point! Took it to a Mom and Pops starter/generator place that had been in business for decades..., two generations, they recognized the starter before I even told then what it came off. In one day they put in new brushes, polished the commutator and undercut the mica, and put in a more functional Bendix. It was a long time ago, but I think they charged $40 then. Never a problem since!

Dell (WA) · Oct 14, 2017

NOS.........thanks, I kent claim all the credid ...but... iff'n yer reading 6-volts at the starter solenoid when ya push the button, ya STILL gotta WEAK battery. Even tho ya gotta 12-volt battery, yer starter is still 6-volts and will draw down a 12-volt battery. Generally, notta problem 12v on 6v ...but... iff'n yer replacement cables are them skinny 12-volts, yer 6-volt starter motor ain't gonna like it. NOTE: 6-volt cables are thick as yer thumb while 12-volters are like yer little pinky.........Dell

operationnos · Oct 14, 2017

Thank you both. I'll go swap out the cables first for the larger ones (and shorter) and see what it looks like. Just for confirmation though, it's showing up as 12v on the right post which is what I'm
expecting off the positive wire, should I see anything higher than 6v on the left post since it's a 6v solenoid or is that what I should be seeing? If cables and another round of ground checking doesn't do it
I'll pull the starter and get it checked.

Royse · Oct 14, 2017

I would put the tractor in high gear and rock it using the rear tire.
Rock it hard enough to move the fan blade, both forward and aft.
Then take it out of gear and try your starter again. It's free to try.

igobill · Oct 14, 2017

I recently had trouble with a 6 v starter / 12 v battery. The starter pulled so much current it welded the contacts on the after market solenoid. Then after a gentle hammer bang to release the solenoid, it would not start well because the contacts were damaged. I took the solenoid apart to see the damage. Just a suggestion.

operationnos · Oct 16, 2017

I'm taking the starter in to be rebuilt this weekend, figured it could use some love even if it's not the primary issue.

I tried putting it in gear and rocking the rear tires, I didn't get any movement out of the fan. We weren't being light with it, really tried to rock it in gear. I know the engine isn't locked up but what
else could cause the fan to not engage in that situation?

Royse · Oct 16, 2017

Starter could be stuck in the flywheel.
Rocking by the tires will sometimes free it up/pop it loose.

operationnos · Nov 1, 2017

Thank you everyone for the assistance on this. When I went to take the starter off to take it to the shop the gear fell a part in 6 pieces as soon as it came off of the flywheel. I was able to fish them out with a magnetic wand and a bit of patience. I picked up a new 6v starter and solenoid off Amazon for ~$110 and 48 hours later it started up like it was brand new.

Now I'm in the holding pattern. The wife's rule is that it has to start and drive every day for 2 weeks before I can buy some new toys for it (hood, grill, and front tires). I'll be working on our school bus conversion for a couple of weeks to hold me over.

Royse · Nov 1, 2017

Glad to hear you got it going. Thanks for the follow up!

1949 12v 8n with issues starting

operationnos

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Jim in Western MI

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Dell (WA)

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operationnos

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Royse

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igobill

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