L3901H won't start

[TML4Life]

Hi all, new here but have been going through all the posts. I'm stuck as to why my tractor isn't starting. I have a new battery and it seems like it wants to but won't grab.

I'm uploading videos to YouTube and will share the links shortly.

 

[TML4Life]

Video of it trying to start

 

[RCW]

Hi all, new here but have been going through all the posts. I'm stuck as to why my tractor isn't starting. I have a new battery and it seems like it wants to but won't grab.

Need a lot more information.

Is this a L3901HST - - there's no L3901H?

It cranks, but does not fire?

Any smoke from the exhaust? Color of smoke?

What is the service history?

PS - - Just saw your video.

Check the cable connections of the battery to the tractor. Both ends of the both the positive and negative side.

Cables themselves could be corroded internally but start with the connections.

Guessing you replaced battery due to the no start problem, it may actually be the cables. Good place to start.

If the battery is brand new, it may not be fully charged.

 

[TML4Life]

Need a lot more information.

Is this a L3901HST - - there's no L3901H?

It cranks, but does not fire?

Any smoke from the exhaust? Color of smoke?

What is the service history?

PS - - Just saw your video.

Check the cable connections of the battery to the tractor. Both ends of the both the positive and negative side.

Guessing you replaced battery due to the no start problem, it may actually be the cables. Good place to start.

If the battery is brand new, it may not be fully charged.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Replace all primary (big) battery cables, clean all connections

 

[TML4Life]

Right it's an L3901HST.
No smoke at all.
It's been serviced regularly but due for the 400hr service soon.

Yeah I started with the battery. Working perfectly. Parked it. Tried to start two days later dead, just clicking sound.

Tried charging the battery but it was old so in bought a new just in case.

When I'm looking at the wires, what am I checking for? Damage?

 

[TML4Life]

Replace all primary (big) battery cables, clean all connections

Would you get them from the dealer or just order online?

Do the wires just go? I live in SC and there is tons of dust.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

dealer gets you the properly size cables....
they 'go' once water hits the ends and the cable begins to corrode as water 'wicks' it's way up the strands of copper. one 'telltale' is ANY greenish colour at the crimped ends. Another is the 'rrr-rrr-click' even with a brand new battery and/or jumping from a running truck. The cables can't pass the high CURRENT needed to spin the starter even though a meter says '12 volts'.

You could try removing the cables, cleaning them real good, reinstall and see what happens.
Another option, if possible, is to use jumper cables. red one from +12 battery post to starter +12 post, blk from battery -ve to frame(ground).

 

[TML4Life]

dealer gets you the properly size cables....
they 'go' once water hits the ends and the cable begins to corrode as water 'wicks' it's way up the strands of copper. one 'telltale' is ANY greenish colour at the crimped ends. Another is the 'rrr-rrr-click' even with a brand new battery and/or jumping from a running truck. The cables can't pass the high CURRENT needed to spin the starter even though a meter says '12 volts'.

You could try removing the cables, cleaning them real good, reinstall and see what happens.
Another option, if possible, is to use jumper cables. red one from +12 battery post to starter +12 post, blk from battery -ve to frame(ground).

Amazing. Thanks for the advice.

 

[number two]

I think battery cable replacement is suggested too often.
Proper testing rather than throwing parts at it a better repair path.
OP's could own and learn to use diagnostic tools(DVOM for instance)for voltage-drop tests,etc.
Better money spent!
Good Luck to OP!