BX2350 won't start and I'm at a loss

[bstromy]

I have a BX2350 (yep - with the plastic hood and fenders, although I changed out the fenders. Now wanting to change out the hood. Not the topic of this thread but would appreciate any advice!).

When I go to start it, all the lights on the dash go off and and the starter does not kick in. Checked the battery. It's great! Tried my boat battery. Same thing. Turn the key back to "ACC" and the dash lights and fuel pump don't come on for about 20-30 seconds.

When I hook up my truck, it'll turn over, but not enough to get it started. (I was able to start it once.) So, I know it's not a safety switch.

I have no idea where to look next. I appreciate your help!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: When I hook up my truck, it'll turn over, but not enough to get it started.

easy....replace BOTH battery cables....

one or both are so corroded ,they won't pass the CURRENT needed to start the engine
Cables can look 'great' but internally they're lousy....high resistance wires

Easy test... disconnect battery ,connect with jumpers a spare AT the starter, see if engine starts.

 

[Roadworthy]

It does sound like your battery won't carry the load. Monitor the battery voltage when somebody attempts a start. If it stays near 12.6 thoroughly clean and tighten cables. Don't forget the ground cable at the frame. If the voltage drops below 11 or so it's probably time for a new battery.

 

[85Hokie]

When you say the battery is great - what does that mean? DID you take it out and take to an automotive store and have it load tested?

As mentioned - check and then recheck the cables.

 

[bstromy]

When you say the battery is great - what does that mean? DID you take it out and take to an automotive store and have it load tested?

As mentioned - check and then recheck the cables.

Yes, I took the battery to the shop and they load tested it for me. It's in the green.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

great .battery is good....
place next to starter, use jumper cables, see if the starter spins...
if yes, you have bad battery cables....
in no, maybe bad starter....

 

[bstromy]

re: When I hook up my truck, it'll turn over, but not enough to get it started.

easy....replace BOTH battery cables....

one or both are so corroded ,they won't pass the CURRENT needed to start the engine
Cables can look 'great' but internally they're lousy....high resistance wires

Easy test... disconnect battery ,connect with jumpers a spare AT the starter, see if engine starts.

Thanks! I'll get a set on order and let you all know.

 

[lugbolt]

Would've taken less time to do a voltage drop test than it did to type the question out. I think a lot of folks are scared of electrical issues. Don't be. Just be smart.

 

[ve9aa]

Bad cables most likely like Jay says, but could also just be corrosion on the FAR end of the cables wherever they attach. (starter +, ground- on machine)

Sometimes it takes very little to inhibit the flow of those pesky little electrons from doing their work.

 

[bstromy]

Would've taken less time to do a voltage drop test than it did to type the question out. I think a lot of folks are scared of electrical issues. Don't be. Just be smart.

Well, @lugbolt , I must admit that I feel shame from your message. I thought this forum was a place to humbly admit your need, and ask for and receive valuable advice without shame.

 

[bstromy]

Bad cables most likely like Jay says, but could also just be corrosion on the FAR end of the cables wherever they attach. (starter +, ground- on machine)

Sometimes it takes very little to inhibit the flow of those pesky little electrons from doing their work.

Thanks, @ve9aa !

 

[bstromy]

great .battery is good....
place next to starter, use jumper cables, see if the starter spins...
if yes, you have bad battery cables....
in no, maybe bad starter....

I appreciate your valuable, step-by-step advice, @GreensvilleJay ! I don't know why I hadn't thought of bypassing the cables. Gonna try that before ordering the new cables!

 

[85Hokie]

I appreciate your valuable, step-by-step advice, @GreensvilleJay ! I don't know why I hadn't thought of bypassing the cables. Gonna try that before ordering the new cables!

Before you order new cables - clean up the ends with some sandpaper or emery cloth, but then LOOK inside the connector where the connector is clamped to the copper itself - sometimes it will oxidize INSIDE the connector - outside looks fine, inside is corroded!

 

[Henro]

Well, @lugbolt , I must admit that I feel shame from your message. I thought this forum was a place to humbly admit your need, and ask for and receive valuable advice without shame.

Actually while Lugbolt could have been a little more diplomatic, he was actually stating a fact. But perhaps something that is not easily seen by those with little electrical background. Not implying anything saying that. But we must understand that everyone has different backgrounds and we all do not have the same experience.

Anyway, there are two ways to attempt a fix. One is to shotgun replacement of parts until if you get lucky things will work again normally. The other is to use analytical means, if one's background and understanding makes that possible.

My reading of Lugbolts post was that he was simply saying this in an abbreviated fashion. I don't think any offense was intended or even implied. Might just be me thinking this way...

 

[bstromy]

Before you order new cables - clean up the ends with some sandpaper or emery cloth, but then LOOK inside the connector where the connector is clamped to the copper itself - sometimes it will oxidize INSIDE the connector - outside looks fine, inside is corroded!

I had cleaned the battery terminals and clamps. No corrosion on either end of either cable. Used jumper cables to bypass the tractor's cables and it cranked up. So, I ordered and replaced both cables. Starts up no problem now! Thanks, @GreensvilleJay for the patient help!

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Thanks for posting the results, it really does help.

 

[bstromy]

Well, new cables worked once. I guess that was just an anomaly. Have a new starter on order now.

 

[85Hokie]

Before you place the new starter in, remove the old one and lightly sand the mating faces and re-install and see what happens