L2550 starting problem

[drums4fun]

My L2550(diesel) will not turn over/crank. I have replaced the starter and the battery. All that happens now, when I turn the key is the fuel shut-off solenoid clicks. The problem was intermittent at first, and when I heard the fuel shut-off solenoid clicking, I thought it was the starter solenoid. Since that seems to be a part of the starter, I replaced the starter. When, after a short time, I had the same problem, and I knew the battery in the tractor was not great, I replaced that. The problem is no longer intermittent. It won't turn over at all. My limited knowledge and experience is leaving me helpless. I hope some of y'all can steer me in the right direction.
Thanks

 

[85Hokie]

My L2550(diesel) will not turn over/crank. I have replaced the starter and the battery. All that happens now, when I turn the key is the fuel shut-off solenoid clicks. The problem was intermittent at first, and when I heard the fuel shut-off solenoid clicking, I thought it was the starter solenoid. Since that seems to be a part of the starter, I replaced the starter. When, after a short time, I had the same problem, and I knew the battery in the tractor was not great, I replaced that. The problem is no longer intermittent. It won't turn over at all. My limited knowledge and experience is leaving me helpless. I hope some of y'all can steer me in the right direction.
Thanks

First thing I would check IS the connections to the battery and frame (ground) since you replaced the starter, I would assume that the mating surface was clean between starter and block.


The clutch, does it have a safety switch on it by chance? IF so - this could be your problem.

Read this :

https://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/threads/clutch-safety-switch.8049/

 

[Russell King]

You have a safety switch problem most likely.

To troubleshoot it you can disconnect the small wire off the solenoid spade terminal and then use a multimeter or test light to see if there is voltage there when the key is in the start position and everything pushed like the clutch as if really starting the motor.

You should see 12 volts or more. If zero then you will have to find the failed switch. If the voltage is low (10 volts or so) then you have dirty switch contacts and can put in a relay to provide the starter with the required voltage to start.

There are many threads on your problem so search may be your best option to resolve the problem.

 

[rbargeron]

Try connecting a jumper cable to the negative battery terminal with the other end on an un-painted bolt head - like on the loader frame. On tractors getting some years on them, the negative cable gets pretty corroded inside and at the ends - if the jumper works, clean or replace the negative cable.

My L345 had similar symptoms - put on a cheap jumper cable and it started right up. About a year later I realized the jumper was still in there working fine. I have a great memory - its just short. Take care, Dick B.

 

[jaxs]

C-L-I-C-K,,,,,,,,,no start. When in the world will we have a behind the scene collaboration to write a sticky for this problem?.,,,,,,,click,click,clickI suppose the answer is "after people learn to use the search feature."

 

[drums4fun]

First thing I would check IS the connections to the battery and frame (ground) since you replaced the starter, I would assume that the mating surface was clean between starter and block.


The clutch, does it have a safety switch on it by chance? IF so - this could be your problem.

Read this :

https://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/threads/clutch-safety-switch.8049/

Thanks, for the ideas. You've given me hope that I can handle this myself. Where would one look for this switch? I put a new ground cable on at the same time I replaced the battery.

 

[85Hokie]

Thanks, for the ideas. You've given me hope that I can handle this myself. Where would one look for this switch? I put a new ground cable on at the same time I replaced the battery.

On your left side as you sit on the tractor - the clutch is at the left foot.

Use you hand to push down the clutch and watch the mechanical movement in the linkage. The should be a "button" that the linkage hits and pushes. This is the "clutch safety switch"

The switch looks like this :

Here is where it is located on the side of the tractor

 

[drums4fun]

C-L-I-C-K,,,,,,,,,no start. When in the world will we have a behind the scene collaboration to write a sticky for this problem?.,,,,,,,click,click,clickI suppose the answer is "after people learn to use the search feature."
I am a new member and not familiar with the site. I tried the search feature and apparently didn't word my question correctly because it kept coming up with no results found. I have never heard the term sticky in this context. But I appreciate good sarcasm!

 

[drums4fun]

On your left side as you sit on the tractor - the clutch is at the left foot.

Use you hand to push down the clutch and watch the mechanical movement in the linkage. The should be a "button" that the linkage hits and pushes. This is the "clutch safety switch"

The switch looks like this :

View attachment 117495

Here is where it is located on the side of the tractor

View attachment 117496

Thanks again> Are you by any chance The Okd Hokie of nTractor fame?

 

[drums4fun]

You have a safety switch problem most likely.

To troubleshoot it you can disconnect the small wire off the solenoid spade terminal and then use a multimeter or test light to see if there is voltage there when the key is in the start position and everything pushed like the clutch as if really starting the motor.

You should see 12 volts or more. If zero then you will have to find the failed switch. If the voltage is low (10 volts or so) then you have dirty switch contacts and can put in a relay to provide the starter with the required voltage to start.

There are many threads on your problem so search may be your best option to resolve the problem.

Is that the solenoid in the starter?

 

[85Hokie]

Thanks again> Are you by any chance The Okd Hokie of nTractor fame?

No -- I was there , but @TheOldHokie is here! Yeah - he IS a bit older than me !!!

 

[TheOldHokie]

Thanks again> Are you by any chance The Okd Hokie of nTractor fame?

Fame???? I dont think so. Noteriety perhaps

Dan

 

[drums4fun]

No -- I was there , but @TheOldHokie is here! Yeah - he IS a bit older than me !!!

I located the switch, and I adjusted it down to touch the actuating tab and a little more. Depressing the clutch actually now moves the switch a little so I am pretty sure it is being pressed to its limit. Still no turn-over of the engine. Is the switch itself likely to be bad? I can hear it click when I push the button up and down by hand.

 

[drums4fun]

Try connecting a jumper cable to the negative battery terminal with the other end on an un-painted bolt head - like on the loader frame. On tractors getting some years on them, the negative cable gets pretty corroded inside and at the ends - if the jumper works, clean or replace the negative cable.

My L345 had similar symptoms - put on a cheap jumper cable and it started right up. About a year later I realized the jumper was still in there working fine. I have a great memory - its just short. Take care, Dick B.

I replaced the ground cable when I replaced the battery.

 

[85Hokie]

I located the switch, and I adjusted it down to touch the actuating tab and a little more. Depressing the clutch actually now moves the switch a little so I am pretty sure it is being pressed to its limit. Still no turn-over of the engine. Is the switch itself likely to be bad? I can hear it click when I push the button up and down by hand.

TAKE the two leads OFF the switch ..... connect them and then turn the key (make sure you are IN NEUTRAL!)

See if that makes any difference

 

[Russell King]

Is that the solenoid in the starter?

Not really IN but ON the starter. See picture

or you might want to look at this site

Where is the starter solenoid on a ford f150

Source Source Source Source Source Source Source Source Source Source

automotorpad.com

I think all Kubotas have the solenoid on the starter but other vehicles (Fords…) have a separate solenoid that is often mounted on the side of the engine bay

 

[drums4fun]

Not really IN but ON the starter. See picture
View attachment 117543

or you might want to look at this site

Where is the starter solenoid on a ford f150

Source Source Source Source Source Source Source Source Source Source

automotorpad.com

I think all Kubotas have the solenoid on the starter but other vehicles (Fords…) have a separate solenoid that is often mounted on the side of the engine bay

Thanks for the help. Later today I am going to hotwire it as suggested by Hokie and try that.

 

[drums4fun]

Fame???? I dont think so. Noteriety perhaps

Dan

Well, you know, everybody calls it something different! How are you? I assume you are aware that Jack Collins died. I believe he told me that his son was tasked with informing ntractor.
How are doing? I moved from upstate NY to SC last year. I sold my 4610 and gave my 8N to my son-in-law.
Sold all my implements also, so I am starting over down here with prices rising.

 

[BAP]

I replaced the ground cable when I replaced the battery.

Did you clean the surface under the end of the new ground cable where it attaches to the tractor? Is the bolt shiny and clean? When you put the new starter on, did you clean or make sure the mating surface on the block was clean to get a good ground?

 

[TheOldHokie]

Well, you know, everybody calls it something different! How are you? I assume you are aware that Jack Collins died. I believe he told me that his son was tasked with informing ntractor.
How are doing? I moved from upstate NY to SC last year. I sold my 4610 and gave my 8N to my son-in-law.
Sold all my implements also, so I am starting over down here with prices rising.

Thanks for asking. Right now my health has tanked and I am struggling to avoid joining Jack Collins. Looking at some very serious surgery. Fingers crossed.

Still have two N's along with four Kubotas including my 3 year old L3901. My medical team says not yet time to sell them.

Dan