The Forestry Forum

My little skidder has set for years and a fellow here on the forum showed some interest in it so I figured I would get it running. Celenoide would just click. Pulled the started and made sure the engine wasn't stuck then checked the starter all worked fine. Changed the celinoide still only a click so I cleaned all battery cables still only a click. Had to walk away before I blew a fuse. Started again this morning worked a number of hours still only click. I took a jumper wire and jumped around the celinoide nothing it's like the battery is dead. Changed to another battery still only a click walked away again. Anyone have any ideas ? Pulled the tri axle out and worked on a tail light that wasn't working, a little after noon I got that repaired Wish it would dry up so I could go back to work  :D.

Next time use your jumper wire for a ground from battery neg. to starter case.

I recently had a very similar problem with a 300-6. I replaced the battery cables and all is good. The old ones had discolored wire and crummy insulation. I soldered new ends on some used battery wire. Did you check the main ground ?

When going thru my collection of solenoids, I found that some made a bigger 'click' and used one of them. Even a new one seemed weak.

Also maybe load test the battery.

tomarrow I will run a ground wire from the battery to the mounting bolt on the starter and see what happens thanks for the ideas.

Same issue with my tractor. The copper ground wire had corrosion within the strands. Cleaning the outside did no good. I replaced it, and then it would crank.

 8)  8)  8)  8) Ran the wire from the ground on the battery to the starter put a little gas in the carbarator and it took right off . Thanks everyone this site sure can help a fellow out.

I remember a similar problem with a Ford straight 6 years ago.  I ended up having to sand/polish the starter and bellhousing mating surfaces so they mostly shined, then coated with dielectric grease.  Those engines seem to need really good grounds right there in order to work.  The old timers always said that Fords need good grounds, maybe this is what they meant?

Then again, there were others that were abused and neglected horribly and worked and ran perfectly every time...