The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Hi all,
Was hanging around on the old site for a while when getting my old girl sorted. I again need help from the Masters of Fordsons.
My '64 FSM won't start. The starter motor will not turn the engine over. I have removed the starter motor and it all looks ok inside (but what would I know), it runs on the bench with jumper leads. It spins in the tractor with jumper leads but when engaged does nothing. Trys but will not turn the engine over. I took the tappet cover of and opened the exhaust valves slightly and it spins over no worries. No water or funny sounds coming out of exhaust manifold. Set all clearances again and nothing. I can hill start the tractor within 3 meters and it runs fine. I guess it is the starter breaking down under load? Any thoughts on what I can do as I have run out of options.
Thanks in advance.
GT

hi, check your battery is ok, if you have lights, turn them on and try to start tractor, if the lights die out then battery not up to job. if they still bright then starter needs rebuild ( auto shocking job) cheers. mark

Lights are long gone on this old girl. The loader arms did not like them where the factory had them and I've never got around to fitting others. I will fully charge the battery and try again. It is also bloody hard to turn over by hand as well. Must have awsome compression
GT

You could also put a load tester on the battery. Be sure the cells are full first. Dandy Dave!

The starter on these tractors are a pre-engage type i.e. a fraction of a second before the motor energises an internal fork slides the bendix drive into mesh with the flywheel ring gear.
No mesh - no drive!
Could also be stripped ring gear teeth - but usually this makes a horrible noise.
Pavel

With a universal volt meter you can check the battery. Connect it to the battery. During starting it should give at least more than 10 Volts. When Volts drop lower than 10 V the battery has died or must be loaded.

henk wrote:With a universal volt meter you can check the battery. Connect it to the battery. During starting it should give at least more than 10 Volts. When Volts drop lower than 10 V the battery has died or must be loaded.

I've used my multi meter to do it this way also. Dandy Dave!