bad starter on my M

Charlie M · May 31, 2008

Locks like the starter has gone bad on my M. I can hear something spinning inside but after holding the starter button a few seconds the button starts to get hot and smoke. Sounds like a short in the motor but I'm puzzled on what could be spinning inside. Starter worked fine until I parked the tractor for the winter. Any change this could be something I could fix or am I looking at a replacement. Any recommendations where to get a replacement. Around here rebuilding costs the same a replacement and its easier just to get another one.

old · May 31, 2008

First thing I would do it take it out and check the drive and also take it in and have it checked out. Most auto parts stores will do it for free. Your battery cable could also be going bad and if thats the case it could do just as your is doing
Hobby farm

rustyfarmall · May 31, 2008

I think the first thing would be to remove the starter, lay it down on the floor and connect it with jumper cables to a known good battery. If the starter is good, it should spin right up and maybe be just a little wild. Be sure to notice if the starter drive advances out to the end, and then comes back in when you disconnect from the battery. If it passes that test, put it back on the tractor and give it a try. It is possible that the drive got stuck in some worn teeth on the flywheel, and that is why the starter won't turn. It is also possible that the starter drive itself has gone bad. The drive can be replaced. The starter button getting hot and smoking is because of a bad starter button, or poor connections. Also, a weak battery can make you think that maybe the starter is bad, so make sure the battery is fully charged. I know I'm kind of rambling here, just want to make sure the starter is not good before you replace it.
New, not rebuilt, starters are readily available.
Send me an email if you have questions.

bad starter on my M

Charlie M

Well-known Member

old

Well-known Member

rustyfarmall

Well-known Member

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