SMTA Battery/Starter

Idaho Boy · Jan 1, 2009

I have my SMTA in a tractor mechanic shop waiting on some hydraulic work to be done. The mechanic said that the starter was bad. So I had them take it to a Starter/ Battery Specialty shop and have it checked. The specialty shop said there was nothing wrong with the starter. It worked good and sounded good. So the mechanic put it back in and tried it a few more times. I listened to the tracter as he cranked on it. The first couple of moments the tractor sounded like it wasn't going to start and then it would immediately pick up speed and fire up. Each time he started it, it would do the same thing. So I had the starter checked again by the the same speciatly shop and he can't find anything wrong. The mechanic has checked all the grounding point for a good connection. It is the original 6V starter with a 12V conversion using a new deep cycle battery completely charged up. What gives? Anyone have any ideas? Thanks

tcanthonyii · Jan 1, 2009

do you have or know anyone else that has a similar tractor? If so try it in their tractor. Have another shop look at for a second opinion. Absolutely check all connections. It may be a bad switch or a bad connection.

Does it have problems starting the tractor? If so why mess with it?

Wardner · Jan 2, 2009

Deep cycle batteries can't deliver the "cold cranking amps" that an automotive battery can.

Take a battery out of your car or truck and see if that makes a difference.

Having said that, I run two heavy deep cycles in my Dodge Cummins. It will start down to 10 degrees without connecting the block heater. The engine does turn over more slowly with the deep cycles. I use the batteries to power 12V pumps when scavenging fuel from domestic fuel tanks. They are also better for running 12V winches. I expect these batteries will last much longer than the typical automotive batteries.

Brownie 450 · Jan 2, 2009

Just thinking---what kind of oil are you running in the engine? Could be if it is "cheap" oil that doesn't have good body, it could be draining off the sleeve/ piston area---giving a dry first few revolutions.
We've never had any trouble with our SMTA--probably our most reliable starter. I'd have the battery load tested or maybe slip another battery in to try it.

GordoSD · Jan 2, 2009

What size is the cable running to the starter motor? It should be at least an 0 and preferably a 00.
Feel the switch after cranking. Is it getting hot? If so your cable is too small.
Double check the ground. Remove it and sand it and the point where it connects to the tractor.
Get a reguular hi=cap battery.
Gordo

Janicholson · Jan 2, 2009

900 cold crank amps or more are needed, A deep cycle battery will not do the job in cool weather. Wires (as mentioned need to be O gauge.
JimN

Anonymous-0 · Jan 2, 2009

you dont even need a 12v. batt. get your proper cables on there, and new 6v.batt.and she will wheel over just like mr. mccormick wanted it to.

Idaho Boy · Jan 3, 2009

Thanks everyone for your great comments. I do know for a fact that the tractor ground has had a grinder taken to it and he starter terminal also.
The switch is new and the "0" ga. cables are new. The shop changed the oil and filter for me. The only thing that could be the problem is the deep cycle battery. I will try a new heavy duty automotive 12V battery and see if that makes any difference. I'll let you all know what if anything we find to be the problem. Thnaks again.

Larry NCKS · Jan 3, 2009

I doubt if Mr. McCormick ever knew anything about an SMTA. However, I agree that if everything is up to snuff, 6v should handle it well.

Brownie 450 · Jan 3, 2009

Just remembered that we had trouble with the ground on the MTA & 450 at times. You mentioned that the ground area had been wirebrushed to clean it. When you try cranking the engine, feel the grounding area at the back of the battery box down by the transmission cover. We put a new bushing & bolt & 3 "star" washers on each connecting surface on this grounding connection. Never had any more problems. The star washers provide extra current carrying capacity.

mkirsch · Jan 3, 2009

Deep cycle batteries are garbage. I know many many people who use them in their RVs, for what they were supposedly designed to do. Constant complaints about the batteries going bad after only 1-2 years, not having the capacity they should... The few people that are satisfied with their deep cycle batteries don't actually use their RVs much, and usually go where there are hookups.

I can't imagine using one as a starting battery.

mattofvinings · Jan 3, 2009

The star washers provide extra current carrying capacity.

I would agree that the star washers help "bite" thru any surface problems by increasing contact pressure in the areas where the "stars" are turned.

However, a good bright-clean flat area with a tight bolt or nut will conduct better due to more area in contact.

One trick if you are in desperation is to use copper-based anti-seize in the connection. The copper will aid conduction until you can repair it properly.

SMTA Battery/Starter

Idaho Boy

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tcanthonyii

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Wardner

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Brownie 450

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GordoSD

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Janicholson

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Anonymous-0

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Idaho Boy

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Larry NCKS

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Brownie 450

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mkirsch

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mattofvinings

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