Welcome! Please use the navigational links to explore our website.
PartsASAP LogoCompany Logo Auction Link (800) 853-2651

Shop Now

   Allis Chalmers Case Farmall IH Ford 8N,9N,2N Ford
   Ferguson John Deere Massey Ferguson Minn. Moline Oliver

Farmall & IHC Tractors Discussion Forum
:

Farmall C Starter Question

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register
Author 
Kenneth Fass

03-23-2007 08:04:43




Report to Moderator

The starter on my C suddenly failed. It turns out there is nothing wrong with the starter motor itself, nor the starter switch.

The problem is with the copper "node" that the starter switch contacts to make connection. It is severely worn from years and years of use - to the point where it no longer makes contact when the switch is engaged.

Is this part serviceable? It looks like it might be, but I did not spend any time yet looking further into it. I think I could resolve the problem by ROTATING the note 180 degrees actually.

(I got around the problem temporarily by removing one of the starter switch mounting screws. This allowed the switch to "skew" when engaged - which allowed the motor to start)

Thanks!

[Log in to Reply]   [No Email]
Owen Aaland

03-23-2007 11:39:58




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to Kenneth Fass, 03-23-2007 08:04:43  
To remove the stud you need a propane torch and compressed air.

Carfully heat the stud on the outside until the solder start to melt on the inside. Blow the old solder out, being careful where the solder lands, and bend the field coil leads enough to make sure they are free. If they are still stuck, reheat and blow more solder out. Remove the nut and the stud will come out. Note how the insulators are installed. It is a good idea to replace them along with the stud. If the stud has a small washer face on it there probably will not be a steel washer next to it. Otherwise there should be.

Parts should be in this order:

1) Stud
1) Steel washer (not used on some studs)
1) Large insulator washer
2) Small insulators (fit inside the hole)
1) Large insulator washer
1) Steel washer
1) Nut

To reassembly, clean the slot in the new stud so it shows bright copper. Assemble the above parts in the proper order. Bend the field coil ends so that the stay seated in the bottom of the slot. Carefully heat the outer end of the stud while applying solder to the inside end. Remove the heat as soon as the solder starts to melt. The copper will transfer heat rapidly but be careful to allow enough time and not apply so much heat it burns the insulators. If the solder does not flow smoothly apply a little more heat until the solder flows to both the stud and the field coil ends. When reassebling the starter, make sure the field coil leads do not touch the armature. Bend then toward the case if necessay.

H & M starters that have a threaded stud for the battery cable, very often have cracked solder joints on the inside. This method works well to repair them also.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Bob

03-23-2007 14:11:51




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to Owen Aaland, 03-23-2007 11:39:58  
A "soldering copper" works a LOT better than taking a torch to the poor thing!!!



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Owen Aaland

03-23-2007 16:19:39




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to Bob, 03-23-2007 14:11:51  
I've done it both ways. I find a propane torch much easier and faster. If you are careful you will not hurt the insulators or damage the paint. H and M starters are a little easier because you can remove all but one of the insulators before you apply heat.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Kenneth Fass

03-23-2007 11:49:01




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to Owen Aaland, 03-23-2007 11:39:58  
Owen,

I apprreciate that detailed feedback. I may give it a go if my attempt at a repair doesn't work. (I plan to slot the holes in the saddle switch base and move the switch forward about 3/32")

-- Ken



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
MN Scott

03-23-2007 09:39:23




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to Kenneth Fass, 03-23-2007 08:04:43  
That node is soldered to the windings inside the starter. You cannot rotate it unless you unsolder it and resolder it. It takes a large soldering iron or a propane torch to solder the large parts. I have had a local starter shop replace a few for me. Didn't cost much and they work like new .



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Kenneth Fass

03-23-2007 10:00:05




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to MN Scott, 03-23-2007 09:39:23  
MN Scott,

This sounds right. I guess I will end up taking it to a starter shop then. Unless I can come up with another idea.

Actually now that I think of it, I may just drill 2 more holes in the saddle switch base so I can permanently attach it "moved forward" slightly. This should allow enough additional travel on the switch to make contact....

Hey I think this might work!



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Bob M

03-23-2007 10:23:23




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to Kenneth Fass, 03-23-2007 10:00:05  
That's an excellent idea!

Same as MNScott, I had the starter shop solder in a new contact button on the starter for my Super M. They charged me about $20.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Kenneth Fass

03-23-2007 10:33:20




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to Bob M, 03-23-2007 10:23:23  
Thanks Bob.

Before I do that, I'm gonna slot the holes on the saddle switch and move the switch forward.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Randy in NE

03-23-2007 09:05:45




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to Kenneth Fass, 03-23-2007 08:04:43  
You can buy just the starter button that the pull rod hooks to on the starter. Just remove the starter cable and the two small screws. I have bought them at a local automotive repair shop that works on generators/starters/alternators. Seems like they are less than $20.00.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Kenneth Fass

03-23-2007 09:34:49




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to Randy in NE, 03-23-2007 09:05:45  
Hi Randy,

That is not the part in question. The part that is worn is the electrode on the starter motor case itself. The "starter button" you are referring to is fine.

-- Ken



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
CSR

03-23-2007 09:04:01




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to Kenneth Fass, 03-23-2007 08:04:43  
I had a similar problem last year. Always started good. Came back a week later an nothing. The saddle switch looked new. Turned out the bronze inside the saddle switch developed some kind of anodic coating or something over it. You couldn't see it. My neighbor who has had old JD's for years said to scrape the bronze inside the saddle switch with a knife of file. Fixed the problem, hasn't reoccurred since.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Kenneth Fass

03-23-2007 09:36:29




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to CSR, 03-23-2007 09:04:01  
CSR,

Mine had a coating also. And I cleaned everything up with a dremel wire brush. And it worked ok the next time. But my real problem is the electrode on the starter motor itself.

Thanks.

-- Ken



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
old

03-23-2007 08:22:46




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to Kenneth Fass, 03-23-2007 08:04:43  
A lot of time you can open that up and clean up the contact with a file or emery cloth and it will work fine for years again unless it so bad that its to far gone for that.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Kenneth Fass

03-23-2007 08:34:38




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to old, 03-23-2007 08:22:46  
I should have added that I already cleaned everything up last week. And it worked fine for 1 session only. It is really worn pretty bad so I need to go further.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
RustyFarmall

03-23-2007 08:48:56




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to Kenneth Fass, 03-23-2007 08:34:38  
If you can rotate that "node" 180 degrees without doing any damage, go for it. I have fixed many solenoids by doing so. 'Course that was back in the day when a solenoid could actually be taken apart.

New saddle mount switches are available if you need one.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
teddy52food

03-23-2007 10:03:23




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to RustyFarmall, 03-23-2007 08:48:56  
You can't rotate them. Disassemble the starter and melt the solder from the field leads. Then install a new one & pay attention to the insulaters & washers & make sure it doesn't short to ground. The new one is tapered on top(not flat). The biggest side goes on the side away from the screws that mount the switch. If you are not good at soldering, take it to the electric shop & have them do it. Also, They will have the stud .

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Kenneth Fass

03-23-2007 08:55:50




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to RustyFarmall, 03-23-2007 08:48:56  
Thanks Rusty. That is my plan - to try and rotate it.

I have a new saddle switch. But the switch is not the problem here.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
old

03-23-2007 08:47:40




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to Kenneth Fass, 03-23-2007 08:34:38  
OK. I can't be sure but I think to fix that you would need to do things the common man would not have. A good starter/alternator shop would have both the right tools and know how and probably the parts to fix that problem. But if it where me I would also have them put in new brushes and bushings that way you know your good to go again for years

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Kenneth Fass

03-23-2007 08:58:29




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to old, 03-23-2007 08:47:40  
I am known for doing things the common man would not. So I will probably build on that reputation this weekend.

:)



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
old

03-23-2007 11:25:38




Report to Moderator
 Re: Farmall C Starter Question in reply to Kenneth Fass, 03-23-2007 08:58:29  
Reason I said that is I think that part is solder in and if it is then it takes a very very big iron to do the job. A solding gun will not do it I know BTDT and it didn't work



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
[Options]  [Printer Friendly]  [Posting Help]  [Return to Forum]   [Log in to Reply]

Hop to:


TRACTOR PARTS TRACTOR MANUALS
We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home  |  Forums


Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy