Perkins starter trouble

TominVA · Mar 22, 2014

I was using my Massey (Perkins 3 cyl. diesel) today which started without any trouble twice this morning. The third time I tried to start it this afternoon it did nothing. Cleaned the battery terminals, charged the battery and the best I can get is a single "click" when I turn the key. The voltage meter said 12.8V at the terminals and at the starter. When I turn the key to start, the voltage at the starter drops to 0.4V. Whats wrong? Has the solenoid gone bad? What should I test next?

Steve@Advance · Mar 22, 2014

Keep checking like you are with the volt meter, but move your test point each time closer to the battery until you find the place the voltage doesn't drop. That's where the problem will be.

Janicholson · Mar 22, 2014

Great advice! Jim

MF#1 · Mar 22, 2014

I hate "clicks". Have you put a screwdriver across the big terminal and the small one? If it cranks the starter then your wiring to the key might be bad. If it only "clicks" then your solenoid is questionable. Several thousand hours with 3 Perkins and I have yet to replace/overhaul a starter BUT have had two solenoids go bad ;-)

teddy52food · Mar 22, 2014

With voltage that low, either the starter is locked up or battery is bad unless you have bad cables and or connections.

notjustair · Mar 22, 2014

Are your cables warm? If they warm up it may be that he starter is locked up. You still have lots of juice going through them but it can't do anything but heat things up.

C. Amick · Mar 22, 2014

Have you cleaned the battery ground connection. I have a lot of trouble with ground connections.

Perkins starter trouble

TominVA

New User

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

MF#1

Member

teddy52food

Well-known Member

notjustair

Well-known Member

C. Amick

Well-known Member

Similar threads