I just bought my first Super C. The cranking and starter are very slow. This is the original starter I believe. Do they all start this slow or do I need some repairs?

Well i would start with a good 625zmp battery then 1ga cables then get the starter cleaned up maybe new bearings and brushes . After doing those things ill bet it will start like new again.

About 25 years ago, I good friend of ours, RIP Talmadge, bought a C from a guy for like 50 bucks because the guy couldnt get it to turn over good, and usually just handcranked it. I dont recall the specifics now, but something happened and he wasnt able to hand crank it any longer. Well, He put a brand new battery, brand new 0 gauge cables, and had the starter rewound. All the connections were tight and good, but it still wouldnt turn over with any given speed. Swappped the battery with a 12 volt, took the genny off of something, I think I John Deere, 12 volt coil and swapped the bulbs for 12 volt. Problem solved!! Been that since, and the current owner left it alone and has done nothing but change the battery and cables over the years.(That I know of)

He sure didnt do all that or it would have started on the first rev. Just how do you think they started when they were new.

First no cost n easy thing Id try is to remove, clean n wire brush, then reattach each n every battery n starter n switch/solenoid n ground cable connection see if that helps

Next be sure the battery is well charged n have it load tested

For 6 volt systems I recommend at least 0 better yet 00 gauge battery n starter n ground cables and the highest CCA rated battery that will fit in the box.

Of course, the starter itslef can be at fault like worn bushings or brushes etc if its NOT a cable or connection or battery problem

If alls well it should crank fine n start even at cold temps so start with cables then look at battery then perhaps the startrr itslef is the problem

John T

You'd be surprised at what just throwing a new battery in will do for you.

Often not too good especialy if you had plowed all night with it the night before and I was there when it happened. Original 6 volt generator was not up to keeping lights bright all night the night after they were delivered new.

Thanks for the comments. I do have a new 6V battery in it. I will look at the connections and probably need to look at the brushes, etc.

Thanks for your help.

My "52 SC is 6 volt. The 6 volt system naturally is more sluggish than 12 volt. If the tractor is in time and has fuel, it should fire on the first revolution.

Check for a clean and tight ground cable connection.

Run a good heavy ground cable dirctly to a starter bolt. That short cable next to the box has too many rusty joints to ground good. With a good 6 volt battery , they will start when it is too cold to be on them.

Like I said many times, put a center bearing in that starter and it will spin like a top even without all that heavy of a cable and battery.

One thing I do not think anyone mentioned, and was a big part of the issue with my C. Take the starter loose or off, and wire brush the area on the starter where it meets the block and wire brush the block as well behind the starter. That is an often overlooked ground path which either gets painted, or has a rust buildup. If the starter housing cannot ground to the block and the ground cable is on the block it will never start. The C my dad owned (and I have now) would never start unless it had a fresh battery and it was warm weather, then it barely rolled over enough to fire, and he just usually hand cranked it. After I got it I decided to find out what was wrong with the starting system, and started with new cables, checked the starter (starter was good as it was hardly used). Then I cleaned all the connections and that area on the block/starter. It now starts fairly easily on 6 volt with 6 ga. automotive cables (no that is not a typo, I said 6 guage). Also, check right after trying to start that there is no heat anywhere on cables, connections, etc. Usually a weak connection will heat up. I know I would be better with larger cables, but if everything else is in good shape it will start. I have to 6 volt tractors with 6 guage cables on them (cheap and easy to find), and both start fine now.

Well, I have done the same thing on tractors that had the same problem and still had the same problem when I was done. the only tractor I have never had to change over, other than convience is my sons Cub. It started and turned over fine on 6 volt, so I left it alone until I needed a new battery for it.

you have gotten used to import gear reduction starters.If it starts leave it alone.