L3130D FST cranks but no start

[Reddsta]

Greetings...

I noticed that a couple of times the tractor was hard to start which is very unusual. I fiddled around with the shift lever in neutral did not seem to help...but it would generally start and run after two or three attempts.

Additionally I noticed that the typical and noticeable "click" that I would hear when I would turn on the key...was intermittent...with start attempts where there was no click at all.

It cranks fine and all electrical seems to be working...I checked the fuse panel by the clutch pedal...no bad fuses...it just cranks and does not start. Fuel level is nearly full...seat sensor is by-passed. It is really an issue that began in only the last 5-6 times I have started it.

I have read and re-read the forums concerning this issue and have some idea what it might be...however I wondering where I should start in my troubleshooting?

Any advice would be helpful...thank you in advance.

Thomas

 

[Fedup]

I can't help thinking your tractor has an electric fuel shut off solenoid on the front of the timing cover. They usually make a pretty distinct "click" when the key is turned on and power is applied. Turn the key on and off a few times and listen for that click. If it's not happening, then investigate the solenoid. It's either not working or there is no power being applied with the key on. It may have only two wires, but may also have three. Find the solenoid and go from there.

 

[Reddsta]

I can't help thinking your tractor has an electric fuel shut off solenoid on the front of the timing cover. They usually make a pretty distinct "click" when the key is turned on and power is applied. Turn the key on and off a few times and listen for that click. If it's not happening, then investigate the solenoid. It's either not working or there is no power being applied with the key on. It may have only two wires, but may also have three. Find the solenoid and go from there.

Greetings "Fedup"...and thank you for your response.

So I set out to do as you suggested which was in line with my thinking to a large degree. We got the tractor into the shop and under the lights for a closer inspection. I identified the "electric fuel shut off solenoid" and began to make a plan to address the issue the next day...that's because my brother and I were having a beer right then.

We all know how cold beer spawns greatness...right? So I turned on the key...no solenoid "click" at all...tried it a couple of times...nothing. So with key turned "on" but not actually trying to start the tractor...I decide to turn on the flashers, head lights and blinkers. As I was doing this...there was a point where the the "electric fuel shut off solenoid" just started "clicking" on and off randomly.

So intuitively...I tried to start the tractor...it started right up...over the next 10 minutes all of this was happening and it started up at least 6-8 time no problem. Just like before...the "electric fuel shut off solenoid" went right back to not "clicking" and the tractor not starting? So that is where I am at...

Thinking short or ground issue at this point...have you or anyone encountered this challenge before?

Again thanks for your assistance I appreciate it.

Redd...

 

[Fedup]

Wiring problems are always a challenge. At one time all you had was a switch, (maybe) a fuse, and a few feet of wire. Now it's miles of wire, relays, diodes, often multiple switches, and then some. Often the wiring diagrams can be more confusing than the problems.

 

[Reddsta]

Hi Fedup...

You are right...

I did verify that there is no voltage to the electric fuel shut off solenoid. So...I am searching for a forum that has gone through the troubleshooting of this issue from there back? If you or anyone could point me to that I would appreciate it.

Equally helpful would be if someone who has done this can point me in the right direction.

Redd...

 

[Reddsta]

Greetings all...

Thank you for your help in resolving this issue. Going through the manual and looking at the tractor a bit closer was beneficial.

The problem was the "OPC" relay if I have that right...it was intermittently failing...an on again off again deal.

This relay is behind the instrument cluster mounted to a "firewall" if you will really easy to access. I disconnected the relay and jumped the 3 wires together...not the ground...and the problem was solved.

So...you know how nice it is to have the tractor back in business around here. Once again Thank you.

Redd...

 

[Russell King]

So did you replace the relay or just bypass it permanently?

I personally wouldn’t just bypass it for fear of having power applied to something at all times that should only be applied for a short period of time.

It doesn’t matter what you ended up doing, I am just curious about that and your previous post is not 100% clear what the end product was.

But thank you for posting what you found out and what resolved the problem!

 

[Reddsta]

So did you replace the relay or just bypass it permanently?

I personally wouldn’t just bypass it for fear of having power applied to something at all times that should only be applied for a short period of time.

It doesn’t matter what you ended up doing, I am just curious about that and your previous post is not 100% clear what the end product was.

But thank you for posting what you found out and what resolved the problem!

Yes...sorry Russell for not clarifying...

I did not use the tractor with the bypass...just testing the relay...ordered the relay...simple replacement back in business. The only thing I replaced was the "OPC" relay...you guys on the forum were very helpful...I appreciate that!

Thank you for the question.