Author	[Modern View]
Thomas (MD) 07-30-2012 12:26:29 149.32.192.34 Report to Moderator	I have a 1978 Massey 285 that i have just had the starter redone on at a local shop. Since then I now have an issue starting. When i turn the key it justs goes click, then I let off and hit it again and it will start. If I jump the terminals on the starter it will start every time. I have replaced the ignition switch and all new battery cables. Could there be a voltage issue with the neutral safety switch or does the starter need to come back off? Also it does not have the regular 4D battery in it just a good sized Exide. Not sure if that makes a differencr or not. Thanks in advance. [Reply]   [No Email]
Dean 07-30-2012 20:15:56 152.216.7.5 Report to Moderator	Re: Massey 285 Starting Issue in reply to Thomas (MD), 07-30-2012 12:26:29   It could be either the solenoid or improperly sized battery cables and/or poor connections. You must use properly sized battery cables, especially if you are skrimping on the battery. Dean [Reply]  [No Email]
RLFox 07-30-2012 15:53:15 208.82.108.138 Report to Moderator	Re: Massey 285 Starting Issue in reply to Thomas (MD), 07-30-2012 12:26:29   Sounds like a bad solenoid or bad connection from the ignition button/key to the solenoid to me. Almost like it is not feeding the full voltage across to the starter on the first try. Solenoids are usually pretty reasonably priced.. [Reply]  [No Email]
davediehl@hotmail.com 07-30-2012 15:10:31 173.30.211.28 Report to Moderator	Re: Massey 285 Starting Issue in reply to Thomas (MD), 07-30-2012 12:26:29   I found a problem in the battery cables that did the exact same thing as you describe. This problem was on the positive side of the first battery from the starter. I was lucky enough to hear a snap when the key was hit. 10 minutes later and it was fixed. [Reply]  [No Email]
Masseynut(Australia) 07-30-2012 13:27:47 143.238.162.25 Report to Moderator	Re: Massey 285 Starting Issue in reply to Thomas (MD), 07-30-2012 12:26:29   I'd read off the voltage on the solenoid wire in the "start" position. If it is below 10 volts, you have a pronounced voltage drop and a possible problem with either the ignition switch or the safety start switch. You may remedy the problem by fitting a relay beside the solenoid. This will simply restore full voltage to the solenoid feed wire, Evan. [Reply]  [No Email]
DavidP, South Wales 07-30-2012 13:55:35 78.148.56.89 Report to Moderator	Re: Massey 285 Starting Issue in reply to Masseynut(Australia), 07-30-2012 13:27:47   Hi, in addition to Evan's suggestion I would check the connection between the battery earth cable and chassis as well as your battery connections. has the starter been sprayed by the repairer? If so, remove one bolt and scrape off any paint which might form a 'dry' joint'. As a test, connect a jump lead from an earth point on the starter to the earth terminal on the tractor. A further test would be to remove the solenoid wire and make up a short wire with a blue female spade on one end and fit it to the starter. With the other end of the wire make contact with the live battery cable on the solenoid. If it starts when you would expect it to fail it appears that you have a fault upstream of the starter. Whilst many of the new keyswitches appear to be very similar to the original, many are 'cheap and cheerful' with poorer quality components. Even a new switch can be faulty. Neutral start switches rarely give any problems but can't be ignored. As a brief test, join the two wires together. Don't let anyone start it who is not aware that it can now be started in gear. Please let us know what you find. DavidP, South Wales [Reply]  [No Email]