I just purchased a L35. Tractor runs great but is a hard cold start. None of the gauges in the dash work except for the tach. The chine sat for a long time out in a field (about 10 years). Hoping someone may have an idea where to start looking for a solution. I ordered the manual but it has not arrived yet. Want to get a start on it today. I did download the wire diagram going starting to look it over now. I am sure there are problem spots to look for. Hoping someone may know were to start looking. Thanks!
You may find that the wiring diagram doesn't exactly match your tractor - but you may be lucky. I have a later model L35 and there were some minor differences between the tractor and diagram. I don't remember exactly, but I think it had to do with the light switches. Mine has turn signals and a separate flasher button. I suspect the earlier model didn't have turn signals?
The tach is mechanical so it doesn't need electric as I'm sure you know. There's a large (30/40A?) fuse near the starter, but if you don't have to jump the relay to start the machine it's not blown. Check the fuses in the fuse box on the left under the steering wheel. Is power getting that far? (Most of them only get power when the key is on ACC.) Does the tractor shut down with the key or do you have to use the pull knob? Your hard start may be caused by the glow plug circuit not functioning. There's a timer, a relay, indicator light and, I think, 2 fuses in that circuit. I just had to replace the timer on mine.
BTW, there's a major connector near the floor beneath the fuse box. I think it's supposed to be behind a cover, but my cover is missing.
Do any lights work? My head lights were missing the bulbs and sockets. I replaced them with LEDs only to find they're only useful for lighting the back of the bucket unless it's either on the ground or too high for safe travel.
Good luck and stay in touch.