Starter on TO30

mikep43019

New User
I recently have been trying to get a Ferguson 30 to start.
Originally I wasnt getting a spark but after replacing the
coil , plugs, points and condenser I found that an ignition
switch fixed my issue. So then I tried to start it and while I
thought it was close it didnt start. Then next time I tried the
engine doesnt turn over at all now. No clicking from the
starter that I can hear. I cleaned connections and still
nothing. Any ideas ?
 
Make sure Transmission is in Neutral...
Attach booster cables from battery directly to Starter..

Report back to YT's tractors with results.IE...did Starter engage and crank engine over.?
 
So attach my normal positive and negative to battery. Then would I attach the negative to the starter and the positive to the frame since this is a positive ground system?
 
(quoted from post at 10:28:52 01/13/23) Correct brand new
Okay, but is it fully charged like Pomester asked? You've been cranking on this tractor for how long now trying to start it?
 
"Then would I attach the negative to the starter and the positive to the frame since this is a positive ground system?"

Yes. Hook your positive up first, try to clamp one end to a bolt head near the starter, attach the negative to the battery, and then push (don't clamp) the negative cable to the starter terminal. There will be a spark, but the starter should turn over.

Not all jumper cables are equal. Since this is positive ground, it is a 6v system? 0 gauge cables would be called for. Most jumper cables are not this heavy. You may be able to tell something from lighter cables, but the starter will not turn robustly and things will get hot quickly.

The switch is a weak point in the original system. They can be disassembled and contacts cleaned. The ground cable is another. Originally grounded near the battery, corrosion often makes for poor current flow.
 
Obviously I am doing something wrong. I connect the
positive to the positive on the battery. I took the other
positive and put it on a bolt near starter. Then connected
the negative to the battery. Nothing happens when I touch
other negative on the starter. Not even a spark. And yes my
battery is charged as the lights will come on no issues when
I turn them on.
 
(quoted from post at 14:47:27 01/13/23) Obviously I am doing something wrong. I connect the
positive to the positive on the battery. I took the other
positive and put it on a bolt near starter. Then connected
the negative to the battery. Nothing happens when I touch
other negative on the starter. Not even a spark. And yes my
battery is charged as the lights will come on no issues when
I turn them on.

It sounds like your starter has gone South then. Too bad. The next thing I would do is pull the starter and take it to an auto parts store or an auto electric shop if you have one nearby and have it tested to make sure it's bad.
 

Mike, there's a guy over on the Ford N site that has the same problem with his 8N. It was suggested that he try tapping on the rear end of the starter with a hammer. The thought being that the brushes aren't making contact. It's just a band-aid fix, but it may prove something.
 
Are you using the shifter to start? If yes then you may be slightly out of whack with the switch plate. I would first try putting transmission in neutral then jumping the two posts, you should get starter to turn then. This just means the switch plate needs to be shifted forward or back. 4 small bolts hold it, loosen them and you should be able to find the sweet spot where it will engage the switch.

Tom
 
I had the same problem on my to30, one minute it was cranking the next nothing. I pulled off the starter and took it to a local shop auto electric shop to test it and yes it was toast. They rebuilt it for $85.
 
(quoted from post at 14:47:27 01/13/23) Obviously I am doing something wrong. I connect the
positive to the positive on the battery. I took the other
positive and put it on a bolt near starter. Then connected
the negative to the battery. Nothing happens when I touch
other negative on the starter. Not even a spark. And yes my
battery is charged as the lights will come on no issues when
I turn them on.

Mike, if I'm understanding what you did here, then you bypassed the start switch. You could put the starter back in, and do what Tom H, suggested though.
 
I tried adjusting the switch plate and didnt get anywhere. When I put a tester on the starter I show power going to it when I have the gear shift in the start position. Could the problem still be in the switch even though Im showing power ? Just to reiterate it was turning over fine then quit all of a sudden when this issue arose. Thanks
 

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