RTVx-1100 starter will not crank when temp below 50°

[dfarr]

Has anyone had any issues with RTV not cranking when temp is below 50 degrees?
We have replaced the starter 3 times, and it will remedy the problem for a little while. If we warm up the starter with a heat gun, it will crank right over. Battery and battery cables are new. Have checked all grounds.

 

[200mph]

I'd do a voltage drop test on the starting circuit to confirm/verify it is capable of carrying the high amperage draw.

Voltage drop test is done dynamically (load applied) so it can uncover issues a static test won't.

 

[lugbolt]

the last time you replaced the starter did you notice any moisture on the end of the starter that fits into the bellhousing? Any moisture inside the bellhousing?

 

[dfarr]

I'd do a voltage drop test on the starting circuit to confirm/verify it is capable of carrying the high amperage draw.

Voltage drop test is done dynamically (load applied) so it can uncover issues a static test won't.

Performed a voltage drop test at exciter wire. Still getting battery voltage at exciter with key turned to crank position.

 

[dfarr]

the last time you replaced the starter did you notice any moisture on the end of the starter that fits into the bellhousing? Any moisture inside the bellhousing?

No moisture on starter or in bell housing. Have put sealant around starter mating surface with each replacement.

 

[RCW]

No moisture on starter or in bell housing. Have put sealant around starter mating surface with each replacement.

Is the mating surface the ground for the starter?!? Many are set up this way. There’s probably not a ground wire to the starter?

Wondering if your sealant is compromising the ground?

 

[Russell King]

No moisture on starter or in bell housing. Have put sealant around starter mating surface with each replacement.

You may have to provide a ground path for the starter since they normally ground through the mounting faces. Putting sealant there may have blocked the ground path, why it changes at that temperature may have something to do with the chemical properties of the sealant?

 

[dfarr]

You may have to provide a ground path for the starter since they normally ground through the mounting faces. Putting sealant there may have blocked the ground path, why it changes at that temperature may have something to do with the chemical properties of the sealant?

The starter has a dedicated ground from the mounting bolt to the frame. Kubota issued a bulletin a while ago about putting sealant on the mating surface to prevent moisture from getting into the bell housing.

 

[SDT]

Has anyone had any issues with RTV not cranking when temp is below 50 degrees?
We have replaced the starter 3 times, and it will remedy the problem for a little while. If we warm up the starter with a heat gun, it will crank right over. Battery and battery cables are new. Have checked all grounds.

Does it not crank at all or simply crank slowly?

SDT

 

[Henro]

This is a long shot, as I do not know what engine you have. I am only mentioning this because I was surprised that the D905 engine in my BX2200 worked this way. Yours may be different, so this could be irrelevant.

In any case, my D905 starter solenoid circuit is completed through the fuel cut off solenoid. If the pull in coil(or circuit) of the fuel cutoff solenoid opens, the starter will not turn over.

Perhaps yours is similar? Do not know. Just something for consideration.

I know this seems strange but believe me for the D905 engine in my BX2200 it is true.

 

[dfarr]

Does it not crank at all or simply crank slowly?

SDT

It doesn’t crank at all. But, if the starter is heated up, for example with a heat gun, it will crank and start

 

[rentthis]

Does the solenoid click? This is the strangest thing I have seen posted here. I gotta know.

 

[SDT]

It doesn’t crank at all. But, if the starter is heated up, for example with a heat gun, it will crank and start

Not sure of the design of the glow plug system in the RTV-X1100 but some designs inhibit cranking below a specified temperature until the ECM heats the glow plugs.

Any glow plug indication in the display?

Any fuses open?

SDT