Electric shuts off after 10 to 15 minutes

Karl419N · May 23, 2022

I have a 1941 9N tractor. It runs really good for about 15 minutes, but then it just stops running. When I try to start it back up immediately, it's as if the battery is completely dead. However, the battery is just fine. If I let it sit for 15 minutes, it will start back up no problem. So, there must be some defective part in the electrical system. It seems the generator is working fine, as the battery is being charged and it tests out good. It is the original 6 volt system, and I would prefer to keep it that way.

Any clue's as to what might be the problem?

Thanks.

HCooke · May 23, 2022

When it stops running, immediately check for spark. Use an old spark plug and ground to the manifold and look for spark when you try to start (in
neutral of course).

JMOR · May 23, 2022

(quoted from post at 13:16:30 05/23/22) When it stops running, immediately check for spark. Use an old spark plug and ground to the manifold and look for spark when you try to start (in
neutral of course).

f this is a correct/accurate statement, it should mean that even starter will not function. " it's as if the battery is completely dead. "

Dennis P · May 23, 2022

Could be a bad cell in the battery. You say it shuts down hot
and acts like the battery is completely dead. Had a Harley
years ago that would do this. After it would cool off it would
restart and run until the battery got hot. Also make sure the
system is not overcharging.

Mad Farmer · May 23, 2022

If it turns over OK, but won't start could be ign switch or resistor.

Try bypassing the switch and resistor, with a jumper wire from battery voltage to coil wire post on resistor.

Jim L WA · May 23, 2022

Karl419N, You are going to need a volt meter to locate your problem. As soon as it stops, put the volt meter across the battery posts and see what's there. If nothing or very little, then Dennis P. may be right. If you have 6 plus volts across the battery then start tracing battery AND ground with your meter. Let us know what you find.

Karl419N · May 23, 2022

(quoted from post at 11:21:48 05/23/22) Could be a bad cell in the battery. You say it shuts down hot
and acts like the battery is completely dead. Had a Harley
years ago that would do this. After it would cool off it would
restart and run until the battery got hot. Also make sure the
system is not overcharging.

I took the battery in and they said it was fine.

Karl419N · May 23, 2022

I used a volt meter and it is fine. It is at around 6.4 volts.

Karl419N · May 23, 2022

If the ignition switch is bad, is it possibly that it work perfectly fine when cold, but not when it warms up? I will say that when restored, the parts were removed, the tractor was painted, and parts put back on. I had to remove the battery ground and grind off the paint as the battery ground bolt was heating up.

I was suspecting the resistor, even though I don't know why that might be the problem, but it if is one of these, how could I tell which one is the problem?

JMOR · May 23, 2022

(quoted from post at 15:42:15 05/23/22) If the ignition switch is bad, is it possibly that it work perfectly fine when cold, but not when it warms up? I will say that when restored, the parts were removed, the tractor was painted, and parts put back on. I had to remove the battery ground and grind off the paint as the battery ground bolt was heating up.

I was suspecting the resistor, even though I don't know why that might be the problem, but it if is one of these, how could I tell which one is the problem?

ou never did tell us whether engine will not turn over with starter when hot OR if starter turns engine & it just won't start?????????????????????????

Bruce (VA) · May 23, 2022

Help us out here......

When it's hot and cuts off, what EXACTLY happens when you press the starter button?

Does the starter turn over the engine?

If so, does the spark at the plug jump 1/4 in open air?
75 Tips

JMOR · May 23, 2022

(quoted from post at 16:41:20 05/23/22) Help us out here......

When it's hot and cuts off, what EXACTLY happens when you press the starter button?

Does the starter turn over the engine?

If so, does the spark at the plug jump 1/4 in open air?
75 Tips

hat stuff is a secret, Bruce!

Karl419N · May 23, 2022

After it stops, when I push the ignition button, nothing happens. As if it's not even connected to a battery. I wait 15 minutes and press the ignition button and it starts right up. I checked all the spark plugs and they work just fine. Something is turning off the entire electrical system after around 10 to 15 minutes running.

Karl419N · May 23, 2022

Yes, the started doesn't function immediately after it stops running. I push the button, nothing happens. The engine starts every time like a charm when the starter button is working. However, after it stops running, I have to wait around 15 minutes before I can start it again. It seems something in the electrical system is overheating very quickly and shutting down the entire electrical system. Perhaps it is the starter button, perhaps not. Does the starter button have some sort of overheating fuse?

This post was edited by Karl419N on 05/23/2022 at 04:08 pm.

JMOR · May 23, 2022

(quoted from post at 19:07:22 05/23/22) Yes, the started doesn't function immediately after it stops running. I push the button, nothing happens. The engine starts every time like a charm when the starter button is working. However, after it stops running, I have to wait around 15 minutes before I can start it again. It seems something in the electrical system is overheating very quickly and shutting down the entire electrical system. Perhaps it is the starter button, perhaps not. Does the starter button have some sort of overheating fuse?

This post was edited by Karl419N on 05/23/2022 at 04:08 pm.

o fuse.....just a simple mechanical switch. Next time this happens, short the two starter switch terminals together with a big screwdriver or wrench.. Be certain shifter is in NEUTRAL!

Karl419N · May 23, 2022

I will do that, but any idea what the problem might be?

I am concerned that something may be overheating, perhaps because where electrical connections should be, there might be a layer of paint between them.

Maybe I will also remove the various electrical grounds and make sure they have a good metal to metal connection.

Bruce (VA) · May 23, 2022

We can guess all night long.

Best to start with the most likely cause of the problem.

Now that we know that the starter does not spin when the tractor is hot and the starter button is depressed, eliminate or confirm that the starter button is the
cause of the problem by doing exactly what JMOR suggested.

Post back w/ results.
75 Tips

Mad Farmer · May 24, 2022

Why not start with running a jumper cable from battery post to starter?

This will bypass all the other wiring/switches and tell if the starter is bad or has a weak ground.

Jim L WA · May 24, 2022

(quoted from post at 12:37:58 05/23/22)

(quoted from post at 11:21:48 05/23/22) Could be a bad cell in the battery. You say it shuts down hot
and acts like the battery is completely dead. Had a Harley
years ago that would do this. After it would cool off it would
restart and run until the battery got hot. Also make sure the
system is not overcharging.

Click to expand...

I took the battery in and they said it was fine.

Of course it was fine. They didn't test it right after your tractor shut down. Also you said you have 6 volts at the battery. When did you measure that?

Electric shuts off after 10 to 15 minutes

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