This is a weird one......

Dellbertt · Jul 26, 2009

My IH300U with the forklift attachment has always had a temperamental starter. It will occasionally hang in the flywheel making a clicking noise similar to a low battery. It does this more when the battery actually is low.
Like most, I push in the clutch when starting to make sure it won’t move and to also reduce the load on the starter motor.
So this morning I shoved in the clutch, hit the starter and nothing but click, so I think it must be hung up again. So I let out the clutch to get off the tractor but just for the heck of it I try the starter with the clutch released. I hit the starter and the tractor started in a hurry. So just for kicks I turned it off and tried again with the clutch engaged and once again nothing but a click. So I tried it again with the clutch out and again it fired up easily. I did this several times and every time it started fine with the clutch released and would not turn over with the clutch engaged.
So what’s going on?
Dell

Bob O2 Martin · Jul 26, 2009

Your ground on the battery or the starter is poor. When you push in on the clutch you"re providing the ground circuit.

Brownie 450 · Jul 26, 2009

I would check the flywheel/ pressure plate to make sure the bolts are tight plus the bolts that hold the "halves" together at the bell housing/ engine.

Dellbertt · Jul 26, 2009

Bob, I think you misread the post. The starter only works with the clutch released. Not pushed down.

Brownie, I loosened the starter bolts then pushed the clutch in and the started moved quite a bit. I think you are on the right track. I am going to check all the affected bolts. Maybe when I push the clutch in the starter is binding on the flywheel or maybe even the throw out bearing is worn (but it is not noisy) Whatever the reason, pushing the clutch in is causing the starter to hang.
That might have been the problem all these years.
Dell

Brownie 450 · Jul 27, 2009

Hate to say it, but could also be crankshaft end play for some reason. Don't know how this could be, though. You could try putting a small amount of pressure on the front of the crank with a bar & see if you have much end play.

Paul Shuler · Jul 27, 2009

I have a cub that is the same way. Wont turn over with the clutch pressed down. Fires right off with your foot off the clutch. I don't get it either.

Janicholson · Jul 27, 2009

The crank endplay can make the difference. I would put a clutch type starter drive in it to make it work with the end play. To check endplay, put a dial indicator on the edge of the front pulley. Set it to be aligned with the crank center line. (front to back on rim of pulley) Now push forward on the pulley with a flat bar, then rearward with against the hand crank stub. read the total difference. Normally it is about .004 to .006" if more like .020" it is worn and probably could use a new thrust bearing (main bearing) on the crank.
JimN

Dellbertt · Jul 27, 2009

Jim, Is the clutch type starter drive something that I install into the existing starter. Are they brand and model specific or universal.
Dell

Janicholson · Jul 28, 2009

The new drive replaces existing parts, no other changes. Be sure the bushings are OK on the motor, and the new drive will do it. There are only three or so starters for early IH, so giving the tractor model/year will do it. JimN

This is a weird one......

Dellbertt

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Bob O2 Martin

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Brownie 450

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Dellbertt

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Brownie 450

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Paul Shuler

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Janicholson

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Dellbertt

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Janicholson

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