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
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