Does this sound like a bad starter on 5211

[donte]

My 5211 was starting great....changed oil and cleaned filters, still started fine. But noticed all the trash in the fuel filter bowl and after cleaning it out forgot to refill bowl before trying to start. Didn't crank more than a few seconds for a couple of times before remembering to fill the bowl.

Now it won't crank at all. I checked the clutch safety swith, the starter pushbutton and battery and think they all are ok.

Does it sound like I ruined the starter? Or is there something else I might check out..or recheck... before replacing the starter.

I'm very new at this and would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks, Don

 

[ixer0]

Hi

It's unlikely the starter has given up.
Do the lights go out when you try to start? If so, try battery or earth connections.
Try shorting the starter connections - small wire to top large connection. If it starts look at safety start or ignition switch.
Does the large bottom connection on the solenoid look like it has been hot. This is a common bad connection problem.

Try that lot and see what you find.

Mike

 

[donte]

Hi Mike
I haven't gotten the lights repaired yet, that is not far down on the list of things to do. On the solenoid, there is a small wire between the other large terminals....is that the small wire I should touch to the "hot" terminal? Also the other large terminal is pretty rusty looking, but doesnt look like it has been hot.

I appreciate your reply and will try the small wire on the solenoid to large terminal as soon as I'm sure that is the one you mean.
Thanks, Don

 

[ixer0]

Hi

The small wire is probably coloured brown. It has a push on spade connector and is mid way between the 2 large terminals. Regarding lights, watch the dashboard warning lights to see if they go out it may give a clue.

Mike

 

[donte]

Hi Mike
I understand. Going to start checking these things out and will advise later. Thanks, Don

 

[donte]

Hi Mike,
After taking a closer look at the solenoid, I didn't think the bottom connection looked very happy. I pulled the starter and found the bakelite cap on the solenoid to be cracked and a small piece or two missing. It does look like it has been hot.

Do you know if that solenoid cap is available w/o the starter...and/or do you know of a quick temporary fix. I'm assuming this is the problem.

I haven't tried taking the cap off yet, it looks like it might fall apart if I try to unscrew the nuts on that large bottom terminal.

I appreciate the time you've spent with me on this, hope I can find a way to repay you.
Thanks, Don

 

[ixer0]

Hi

The solenoid is available as a spare part. If you can get a thin spanner on the bottom nut behind the wire you may be able to get the front one undone but quite often it just breaks out of the bakelite. I don't think you'll be able to repair the old one.

Mike

 

[dave_peters]

To follow on from Mike, I have had success with unsoldering the wire off the spade terminal to get the cap off and re building the contacts inside by brazing, we had a dentist friend who repaired the cracked bakelite with a tooth repair resin of some sort. Definately not a cost effective repair if you had to pay for it. As Mike said, new solenoid's are usually off the shelf at Zetor dealers and are not expensive, so unless you enjoy a challenge, why bother?

 

[donte]

Hi Mike
Hi Dave

I was remembering buying aftermarket solenoid caps in my younger days for older US cars and still learning (but learning fast) about tractors. Mike you were right, when I tried to take the nut off the lower connection, the bakelite went into many pieces. Dave you were lucky to have connections in getting yours repaired. We've lived in the country for 30 years and dont think we could have survived without a welder, grinder and piles of scrap metal My mind just goes into that "repair" mode.

I was lucky to find a solenoid south of San Antonio...last one he had and going to pick it up now. Hope that was my only problem and it cranks for me.

Thanks to both of you
Happy Trails, Don

 

[donte]

Hi Mike
Hi Dave

Just wanted to thank you again for your help . I replaced the starter solenoid and I'm back in business. Kicked off and running like a champ. Just in time to get everything under the shed....Hurricane IKE is due to hit the coast of Texas soon.

Take care, Don

 

[treaney]

Glad to hear that you got your solenoid problems sorted out.

The thoughts and best wishes of everyone in Zetorworld are with you as you face Ike.

 

[donte]

Thanks Tom for the best wishes, the storm turned a little to the east and spared us. Some of our relatives we not so lucky, and a lot of families were very unlucky. With all the help the rest of us can give them...and the grace of God they will make it.

A question...during the war my Dad said he found some of our distant relatives in Ireland....is my last name "Terrell" one that you've heard over there?

Thanks, Don

 

[treaney]

Thanks Tom for the best wishes, the storm turned a little to the east and spared us. Some of our relatives we not so lucky, and a lot of families were very unlucky. With all the help the rest of us can give them...and the grace of God they will make it.

A question...during the war my Dad said he found some of our distant relatives in Ireland....is my last name "Terrell" one that you've heard over there?

Thanks, Don

Don,

I'm based in the West of Ireland at Claremorris in Mayo. I had a scan of the local phonebook and whilst there are no Terell's there are many Tyrell's.

Whereabout in Ireland did your ancestors come from? Once we know this then we can identify a local genealogical service.

 

[donte]

Tom,
All my Grandparents and parents have passed, and my Dad who said he was welcomed into the Terrell home in Ireland during World War II died in 1952 when I was 12. So there is no one left for me to ask for information.

I will search for the letter and picture he sent home and see if I can provide any details. All my life I have wanted to visit your country, but this late in life I most likely will never make it except in my dreams. Best wishes and Happy Trails, Don