MF 35 - Perkins Diesel Starter Short?

Optiker

New User
I have a MF35 with Perkins diesel. Tractor s/n is 250 583, vintage around 1956. It appears that I may have a short in the starter. When I turn the key, I hear the solenoid click and puffs of white smoke - not a lot, but clearly visible - come out from the front end of the starter. I thought it just might be accumulated oily dust and grit possibly causing an external short across solenoid connections, but after thoroughly cleaning/degreasing the solenoid and starter, there is no change. After multiple tries, it eventually catches and cranks, but I'm guessing that since it's getting worse, one of these times it's not going to start.
I am planning on getting a new starter unless somebody on this forum recommends trying something else. My parts book shows two different starters depending on the S/N of the engine. Where do I look for the S/N? I see a couple of numbers cast into the side of the block, but they don't look like what the parts book tells me. One of the two starters in the parts book has two attachment bolts and the other has three. Mine has two, so in a pinch I will buy that one.
Finally, and comments or suggestions would be very welcome.

Thanks!
Optiker
 
Internal to the starter motor are brushes. If the brushes (small square tablets of graphite impregnated copper) get very short, or begin to hang up in their guides, they will make poor contact with the commutator for the flow of electricity. The easiest check, after the first time it fails to crank, is to rap the side of the starter motor with a medium hammer, a medium blow, toward the end away from the mounting bolts, but not on a sheet metal band that might be there. This shock will reset the brushes for one last start!!! If it starts on the next key turn, the starter needs rebuilt. Jim
 
For a small investment, get an incandescent (not LED or Neon) test light.

Ground the clip end, touch the point to the positive battery cable for a test.

Touch the point end to the starter cable connection, try the starter.

If the solenoid clunks in, and the starter is not turning, and the light is on bright, the problem is in the starter.

If the starter cable does not show a bright light, the problem is in the solenoid or a poor connection.

Start chasing down the problem, move the test light to the battery side of the solenoid, try the starter again. If no power there, the problem is a cable connection or the battery.

It's just a matter of tracking down where the voltage stops. Always check under load, as in while holding the starter switch on.

Just be very careful! Things can get hot! And the starter can start cranking anytime during the test!

About the starter. If you do find a problem with the starter, consider fixing your starter. If it's a Delco, they are easy, parts are common, DIY. If it's another brand, it probably has soldered brush leads, which is best taken to a rebuilder.

Bottom line, the original starter can be fixed cheaper, and will be a better starter than the aftermarket replacement.
 
Is it a Delco or Lucas starter?
If it is a Delco then find a starter repair shop.
If it is a Lucas you may have difficulty finding parts in the USA and a replacement is the only option.
 
I don't know, but will check. The parts book says Delco Remy, but I wasn't the original owner, just the past 20 years. I tracked down a replacement on YT's parts page, but don't recall what make, and was a bit confused by the applicability listings. But, will continue to work it.
Thanks for your reply!
Optiker
 
Excellent! Thanks very much. Incidentally, since smoke is coming out, apparently from the starter and the solenoid is clicking, there must be power that far along. I will follow up, and between your post and another suggesting repair, will go that route.
Optiker
 
Janicholson, Steve@Advance, JimB2...
Sorry y'all...intended to reply to you individually, but I guess it's been too long since I've been active here and pushed the wrong "reply" button. P3rhaps you can tell by my replies to which of you each was directed.
Optiker
 
I was able to watch more closely while my wife started the tractor and found that the dense white smoke is coming from the solenoid. The tractor still starts after a few clicks and repeated tries. However, I think that won't last so will remove the starter and take it to a local repair shop. I'll ask them to check the starter as well, but to replace he solenoid, assuming it can't be repaired.
The only problem now is that I wasn't able to remove the starter assembly. I was able to remove the two bolts attaching it to the transmission housing, but there is not enough clearance to drop it down, nor bring it upwards. Upwards the power steering hoses interfere (one connection is a hard, non-removable connection, with it's other end inaccessible without a lot of removing other parts). Downwards, the radius rod interferes. I'm considering disconnecting one end of the radius rod to allow me to drop the starter down.
I'm attaching a picture to illustrate. The 2x6 is just supporting the starter.
Thanks for your help.
Optiker
mvphoto60010.jpg
 

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