Re: starter/solenoid

Posted by jdemaris on January 01, 2004 at 11:56:11 from (209.23.29.86):

In Reply to: starter/solenoid posted by Gus on January 01, 2004 at 07:09:55:

You didn't hurt anything with the WD-40. Considering your amp gauge shows a normal draw, sounds like your solenoid is either sticking, or the brushes inside the starter are sticking. Quite possible you might just tap on the end of the starter with a metal object while pushing hte button, and it might work. The response you got mentioning a "Ford type solenoid" is probably referring to a Ford type starter relay - technically not really a solenoid. Generally speaking, in automotive or tractor terms, an STARTER RELAY makes or breaks a circuit from a remote location but does not create mechanical movement, whereas, a STARTER SOLENOID makes or breaks a circuit and ALSO creates mechanical movement. On your John Deere, you've got a starter-mounted Delco stater solenoid - makes connection and mechanically pulls the starter drive into engagement. All the current that it takes to engage this solenoid is carried by the ignition swith and button. 30 amps is a lot for a switch to carry. Thus, if you added an additional starter relay, IT would carry the bulk of the current to engage your higher drawing starter solenoid - even if your ignition swith was getting worn. Deere began to use such relays along with the starter and solenoid on newer equipment. But . . . back to your problem.
Considering you've taken apart the solenoid and cleaned (or reversed the contacts), there are basically three steps to diagnose the problem. #1 is there enough battery voltage/current getting to the main terminal on the solenoid? I would put a load tester on it and know immediately, but . . . if you don't have one - do a crude test by simply shorting the main post to ground with a screwdriver or such. A good spark will let you know real fast. #2, if you've determined there is ample power, now cross the two big terminals on the solenoid together (the big 3/8" studs). The starter should spin, but the starter drive won't be engaged. It it does so, then the starter is probably all right and the solenoid is not working properly. If it won't spin, then the brushes are burnt/stuck, etc. If so, try rapping (gently) on the end housing of the starter while the terminals are crossed. #3 If you've determined you have power, and the starter turns(freewheels) when the two studs are crossed, then pull the solenoid off. Just remove the two 1/4" screws that hold it to the starter, rotate it a bit, and pull it off. Then you can try to clean it up, or just replace it. I used to buy new ones for $20, but perhaps they've gone up.
One other thing you probably already know. The Delco solenoid had two big terminals and two small. One big one is hooked to your batteries. The other big one is hooked to the starter. One small terminal is marked "R" and is not used on a diesel (R stands for ignition resistor bypass). The other small terminal, marked "S" for start, goes to your starter button, which gets its power from the ignition switch. You can bypass your starter button by shorting the big battery terminal to the small "S" terminal. Easy to do with a small screwdriver. If it will ONLY start that way, then problems exist in the wiring, button, switch, etc.

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