BX2230 not starting

[JSB]

I have a BX2230 that is dead in the water. I know this question has been asked over and over, but I have not found a thread that addresses what I have discovered. I have a good hot battery, cleaned the posts, checked all the fuses, all the lights light up on the dash, the fuel pump runs, and made sure the safety switches are free and contacts are being made where needed. I do not know if the safety switches are good though.
The issue I have not seen addressed: I have jumped across the battery lead on the starter to the solenoid and the starter spins, but does not excite the bendix to engage the flywheel. Does this mean I have a bad solenoid or is it that one of the safety switches is preventing it from engaging? I had run the tractor mowing for several hours the day before and tried to start it the next morning - nothing.
Any suggestions?

 

[Jim L.]

When you jumped it at the starter you bypassed all the other stuff.

Sounds like the problem is in the starter itself. It could be as simple as cleaning and lube.

If this is more than you want to tackle, then unmount the starter (after disconnecting battery) and take it to a shop which does starters and alternators. Check reputation first so that you get a good business.

 

[thebicman]

Sound like the starter is the culprit. Does it do the same thing if you use the ignition to try and start? Should have the same results.

 

[Dave_eng]

I have a BX2230 that is dead in the water. I know this question has been asked over and over, but I have not found a thread that addresses what I have discovered. I have a good hot battery, cleaned the posts, checked all the fuses, all the lights light up on the dash, the fuel pump runs, and made sure the safety switches are free and contacts are being made where needed. I do not know if the safety switches are good though.
The issue I have not seen addressed: I have jumped across the battery lead on the starter to the solenoid and the starter spins, but does not excite the bendix to engage the flywheel. Does this mean I have a bad solenoid or is it that one of the safety switches is preventing it from engaging? I had run the tractor mowing for several hours the day before and tried to start it the next morning - nothing.
Any suggestions?

A word of caution just in case..... sometimes, if you are not familiar with jumping a starter, you do not power the solenoid but rather just the starter motor.

You should be applying 12 volts to the small terminal on the solenoid. If that works then the problem lies outside the starter.

Dave

 

[Wbk]

We have a bx2230 and to start it most of the time it's dead but if you shift the PTO lever it get's it going immediately.

 

[JSB]

Dave, I may have just been jumping the starter as you stated. I jumped from the hot wire/terminal on the bottom of the starter to the post on the top next to the engine block. Please advise where the correct terminal is located that I need to jump.
Thank you

 

[JSB]

thebicman, when I try to start with the key nothing happens. Only the lights come on on the dash and the I can hear the fuel pump running.

 

[JSB]

Wbk - I have tried moving the PTO lever back and forth and worked the safety switch. I have also manipulated the neutral switches (foot and gear) and the seat switch (which I don't think it matters due to it always starting without being in the seat). I guess it is possible that one or all the switches may be toast.
Thank you

 

[Jim L.]

The issue I have not seen addressed: I have jumped across the battery lead on the starter to the solenoid and the starter spins, but does not excite the bendix to engage the flywheel.

The battery is connected with a stout cable to the starter at terminal C or B.

Starter terminal ST or S is hit with battery to close a contactor, and to make the pinion gear move.

I'm assuming that if you got it to spin, but not engage, then for whatever reason the pinion gear did not pop into position. To check that out, the starter needs to go on the bench for a magnetic switch test.

Then the magnetic switch and plunger can be disassembled once the cause is known to be in the starter.

Or conversely, once the starter is removed, a voltmeter can be used to check for voltage showing that all other conditions have been met to start at the harness terminals going to the starter.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Simplification:

Are you jumping the starter from the large terminal that the battery cable is attached to, to the small spade terminal that has with a fairly small Black and white wire attached to it?

 

[Dave_eng]

Dave, I may have just been jumping the starter as you stated. I jumped from the hot wire/terminal on the bottom of the starter to the post on the top next to the engine block. Please advise where the correct terminal is located that I need to jump.
Thank you

NIW has provided you with the answer

Dave

 

[JSB]

Wolfman - No, I jumped from the large post on bottom of the starter (hot lead from the battery) to the top post on the side of the starter next to the engine. This only made the starter spin - not engaging the flywheel. Is the small spade terminal with the black w/ white striped wire the one to jump?

 

[dirtydeed]

Your starter/solenoid might just need an attitude adjustment. Give the starter body a couple of raps with a ball peen hammer and try to start it normally.

and no, I'm not joking.

 

[leveraddict]

SIMPLE THINGS FIRST!
I had the same problem with my 2017 BX23S. Hours of searching all things suggested and turns out it was the white plug on the starter! Although the plug does lock together as most plugs do, it could be pulled apart enough while still locked together to lose contact! I simply pushed the plug back together and saved myself a lot of grief!

 

[JSB]

I have successfully jump started the tractor and moved into the shop so I could get a better look. I have discovered that the PTO sensor had gotten moved back too far for the shift arm to make contact with the plunger on the safety switch.
I appreciate everyone's help!