BX2200 starter problem

[Spet0789]

When I try to start my BX2200 (having removed the engine cover), I can see the starter gear move forward towards the teeth on the flywheel but that’s it. The battery shows 12.5v and I see 12.5v between the red terminal on the starter/solenoid unit and the chassis, or between the red terminal and the starter motor casing.

So... it feels to me like the solenoid is doing its job and the starter motor is getting voltage. Any other tests I can perform or do I need a new starter motor?

Thanks very much!

Tom

 

[Roadworthy]

Is this 12.5 volts measured WHILE the starter is engaged? It is possible for a battery to have full voltage but not be able to maintain it under high current draw. Another problem is dirty or corroded terminals. They may allow voltage but be resistive to a high current draw like a starter. You could have the battery load tested. A starter repair shop (or even Auto Zone) can probably test the starter. There's no sense buying a new starter unnecessarily. That would be some expensive troubleshooting. Oh, the starter shop may be able to repair your starter (if defective) for a fraction of what a new one would cost.

 

[Spet0789]

Thanks for the guidance. When I try to crank, the voltage drops to around 11v. I do not think it is a battery issue as I have tried to start with a portable power pack connected to the battery terminals and the behavior is the same.

 

[RCW]

Given your drop to 11v, you have a battery problem or connection problem like 200 mentioned.
My first thought is ground wire to battery. A long-time member here used to say all connections need to be “clean, bright and tight.”
I would 1. Check and clean all battery connections, including the ground connection to the frame, and 2. Get the battery load tested.

I personally don’t think you have a starter problem.

A battery can show 12.5v static, but simply cannot deliver the amperage necessary to spin the starter.

That’s caused by a bad connection or bad battery.

Before you ask......Using a Jump Pack on the battery terminals doesn’t take away bad connections from the battery to the tractor.....thus my continued assumption of the battery or wiring being the problem. I did assume you used the jumper on the terminals.....my apologies if I’m wrong.

You always start with the simple/no $$$ stuff. Doesn’t cost anything to check connections, etc. Doesn’t make sense to throw parts at it at this point.

I certainly wish you the best of a simple fix![emoji41]

PS - I had a 1967 Chevy that would just “click” often when trying to start. 9 times out of 10 cleaning the wire connection to the start fixed it....wasn’t fun at -20F at 0500 hours in the dark ....[emoji15]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Spet0789]

Thanks very much. I’ll give your suggestions a try.

 

[Roadworthy]

Sometimes I'm a bit slow on the draw. You turn your key. The starter spins. Does it continue spinning without the engine turning over? If that's the case your Bendix may be failing to engage. It can be replaced as a separate unit on some starters. On others the whole starter must be replaced.

 

[Sjess12]

Or worse the flywheel could be stuck there.

 

[Spet0789]

The starter doesn’t spin. The gear which engages the flywheel does jump forwards but nothing else happens. The flywheel can be moved by hand so isn’t stuck.

 

[whitetiger]

Connect your jump pack directly to the battery cable post on the starter and your ground to the plate which the starter is bolted to. Try to start it. If it just clicks, replace the starter.

 

[Henro]

Tractors of our vintage, the BX 2200, and others as well, are notorious for having an issue with the safety circuit that energizes the solenoid on the starter.

If you look at your starter you will see the main cable from the battery connecting to it, and a smaller wire connecting to the solenoid. If you apply 12 V to the terminal where the smaller wire goes and the starter turns normally you will know you have a problem with the safety circuit.

The normal fix for this is to install a relay which is energized by the safety circuit, and use the contacts of the relay to apply 12 V to the starter solenoid terminal. Not saying this is your problem but chances are it is. The symptom is hearing clicking when you turn the key to start position. This usually starts intermittently and gets worse over time.

I’m just throwing this out as another thing you might check, since it’s a common issue. I inserted a relay in my circuit several years ago and have never had another problem. Before that it was a crapshoot getting the BX 2200 started.

 

[Spet0789]

Tractors of our vintage, the BX 2200, and others as well, are notorious for having an issue with the safety circuit that energizes the solenoid on the starter.

If you look at your starter you will see the main cable from the battery connecting to it, and a smaller wire connecting to the solenoid. If you apply 12 V to the terminal where the smaller wire goes and the starter turns normally you will know you have a problem with the safety circuit.

The normal fix for this is to install a relay which is energized by the safety circuit, and use the contacts of the relay to apply 12 V to the starter solenoid terminal. Not saying this is your problem but chances are it is. The symptom is hearing clicking when you turn the key to start position. This usually starts intermittently and gets worse over time.

I’m just throwing this out as another thing you might check, since it’s a common issue. I inserted a relay in my circuit several years ago and have never had another problem. Before that it was a crapshoot getting the BX 2200 started.

I think you have hit on it.

First, to try to check whether the battery contacts were bad, I applied my power pack directly to the red terminal on the starter and the earth and tried to start. Same result as before.

If I apply 12v to the small wire running into the starter I can hear the whizz of the starter motor.

Then I plugged everything back in and tried the key one last time and it fired up... as you said, intermittent and frustrating.

Can you explain a little more how to install the relay please? Specs and recommendations of where best to run into and out of it would be great.

 

[Henro]

I think you have hit on it.

First, to try to check whether the battery contacts were bad, I applied my power pack directly to the red terminal on the starter and the earth and tried to start. Same result as before.

If I apply 12v to the small wire running into the starter I can hear the whizz of the starter motor.

Then I plugged everything back in and tried the key one last time and it fired up... as you said, intermittent and frustrating.

Edit: It would still be wise to check the connections in the main leads as mentioned above if you have the energy. I did not but would have if the issue persisted.

Can you explain a little more how to install the relay please? Specs and recommendations of where best to run into and out of it would be great.

Here is a link that covers the details you need (I think). Please ignore the pi$$ing contest part of it. The basic truth is that probably almost any 12 volt relay will likely work. There are just some that cost more that likely will work better in the long term.

Anyway, details you need are in this thread I am linking to.

There are other threads on this subject as well. If you are good a searching you will likely find them if you feel the need.

Looks like I have almost 500 hours on my BX since I added the relay, with not one starting issue.

Edit: It would be a good idea to check the power lead connections (as suggested above) if you have the energy. I did not but would have if my problem persisted.

Also, I installed my relay on the frame, rather than hang it on the engine, due to the vibration issue with the BX when turning off. I figured that I could replace a broken wire easier than a relay that was shaken apart...
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...t-ignition-failure.html?highlight=bx+no+start

 

[Spet0789]

Just to close this out, I fitted a relay as recommended. I went for this one.

Amazon.com

I crimped ring connectors to the earth (85) and the high power feed (30). Then I crimped a female spade connector to the trigger (86) and a male to the output (87).

Having done that, I disconnected the white and black trigger wire running into the starter, and connected in the relay between the two. I earthed (85) to the chassis earth just below the starter and connected the high power feed (30) to the main 12v post on the starter.

Cranked first time. Thanks all for the advice.

BTW, before the fix, the voltage at the trigger wire when trying to crank was 9.5v so about 3v lost through the safety switches.