tractor starts, runs, dies then restarts

Dave H. (CO) · Jun 29, 2016

I'm looking at a mid 1970's Satoh 650G Bison tractor. (4 cylinder gas engine) It starts easily, runs very well through all the rpm ranges but dies after 2-5 minutes. It will restart immediately afterward and run well. I replaced the condenser thinking that may have been it, but otherwise I'm stumped. Any ideas would be appreciated-I'm not sure I'm going to buy the tractor, but the issue is bugging me so I'd like to pass the solution along to the current owner.

PopinJohn · Jun 30, 2016

Could be a defective ignition coil, or a defective ballast resistor.

Bob · Jun 30, 2016

Check for spark immediately when it dies to confirm it's an ignition issue, but if it DOES have spark, then you can move on tob look for a fuel flow issue.

Blackhole49 · Jun 30, 2016

When it restarts, does it run for the same length of time or shorter? If shorter, I would suspect fuel. Usually lost spark requires some cooling down.

Dave H. (CO) · Jun 30, 2016

It restarts immediately so I'm sure there's a spark, (it might take one or 2 revolutions before it starts). I pull the choke partway when I do this. That's likely out of habit because that's what I do on my 8N when it dies while working it too hard.

My current plan is to test the condenser on my 8N to confirm it was good or bad to rule it out, then the coil was planned afterward. I saw the ballast resistor but it's been so long since I've had a car with one it slipped my mind to try, but that does make sense. Thank you for the suggestions, I appreciate it. (As I'm sure the owner does also!)

PaGlenn · Jun 30, 2016

My Ford 2000 gas did that until I changed out the coil.

Steve@Advance · Jun 30, 2016

Buy it first!

It ran long enough to prove it's in good health.

If you repair it, he can go up on the price. Whatever it is, it is a minor issue.

Dave H. (CO) · Jun 30, 2016

He won't raise the price-he thought it was running well until I showed up for the"test drive". He's paying for the parts and I'm doing the troubleshooting since I'm closer and am also curious what it is.
I'm not sure I want the tractor at this point but am willing to assist him for now. My concern with the tractor is parts cost and availability. This will be a backup tractor for my 8N. Can anyone offer any insight into a Satoh? Am I nuts to consider one? The hourmeter shows around 1500 hours but broke around 10 years ago, the lights don't work, all the warning lights are on and have been for 5 years, it's lived outside and he's the original owner. It comes with a loader, 5' blade, 5' brush hog and pto powered 3-point sprayer. New starter, rebuilt carb. About 1/2 the hydraulic houses are newer. He's asking $2500.

Dave H. (CO) · Jun 30, 2016

He won't raise the price-he thought it was running well until I showed up for the"test drive". He's paying for the parts and I'm doing the troubleshooting since I'm closer and am also curious what it is.
I'm not sure I want the tractor at this point but am willing to assist him for now. My concern with the tractor is parts cost and availability. This will be a backup tractor for my 8N. Can anyone offer any insight into a Satoh? Am I nuts to consider one? The hourmeter shows around 1500 hours but broke around 10 years ago, the lights don't work, all the warning lights are on and have been for 5 years, it's lived outside and he's the original owner. It comes with a loader, 5' blade, 5' brush hog and pto powered 3-point sprayer. New starter, rebuilt carb. About 1/2 the hydraulic houses are newer, one loader cylinder drips a bit. He's asking $2500.

bteny · Jun 30, 2016

I'd definitely replace the ballast first I had that trouble an replaced it no more trouble fr awhile

jimg.allentown · Jun 30, 2016

I would be inclined to look for a fuel problem. As a general rule, electrical components are either good or bad. Not much in between. If something is getting too hot and shutting down, it would not likely restart immediately. It would need to cool down before it would restart.

At the same time, if it has a broken hour meter, warning lights lit, lived outdoors all its life, I would be VERY hesitant about even getting involved with it. Most dealers call those with warning lights a "Christmas tree" and stay away from them.

I would think that there are plenty of other tractors out there with better parts availability, better known brand names, and in a similar price bracket that do not have built in problems. Just my not-so-humble opinion for what it is worth.

tractor starts, runs, dies then restarts

Dave H. (CO)

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PopinJohn

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Bob

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Blackhole49

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Dave H. (CO)

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PaGlenn

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Steve@Advance

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Dave H. (CO)

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Dave H. (CO)

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bteny

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jimg.allentown

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