B7200 trouble starting

[skyb]

I have a B7200 that recently has started having a hard time starting.

Without the decompression lever engaged (no matter how hot the engine is) the motor will barely turn - or not turn at all. With the decompression lever fully engaged it will turn and if I leave the decompression lever engaged for several seconds and then push it in I can get it to fire (though usually takes several tries). Once it is started it runs fine.

Doesn't matter how hot the engine is, it barely turns if the decompression lever isn't fully engaged when starting - if anything it seems to be harder to start when warm. Up until 2/3 months ago I could start the tractor fine and didn't need to use the decompression lever (unless it was cold out).

Any ideas on what I should look at? The battery is not the problem, though I haven't tested other electrical components yet.

 

[D2Cat]

Your tractor does not have a choke. You must be referring to the decompression knob on the dash. When that is pulled out the valves stay open a bit so the engine turns over faster. This is a method of generating heat so the engine will start quicker/easier in cold weather.

The engine will not run with the decompression knob pulled out. You need to leave it in so the valves will allow the engine to develop compression.

 

[skyb]

Your tractor does not have a choke. You must be referring to the decompression knob on the dash. When that is pulled out the valves stay open a bit so the engine turns over faster. This is a method of generating heat so the engine will start quicker/easier in cold weather.

The engine will not run with the decompression knob pulled out. You need to leave it in so the valves will allow the engine to develop compression.

Yeah, I actually edited it before you posted. It will only start when I use the decompression knob to start it (regardless of the outdoor temperature or engine temperature). It runs fine once started.

Engine will barely turn over when starting without the decompression knob engaged. With the decompression knob engaged, the engine turns fast enough to start it when I push the knob in (though often takes me several tries).

I am not too knowledgeable about what is causing the problem. From what I have read, the most likely issue is either a problem with the battery, glow plugs or a bad electrical connection to the ground or battery. But if anyone has other ideas for things I can/should check would be appreciated. So far all I have checked is the battery.

 

[Dave_eng]

Rule out the glow plugs if the engine is barely turning over. They have nothing to do with the turning over.

Focus on the basics. Clean the ground cable attachment to the engine.

Do any of your battery cables have replacement end terminals? If so buy new cables.

The starter relies on a good connection to the engine block.

Two options.:

1. remove the starter and polish the mating surfaces between the starter and the engine.

OR

2. buy a battery cable with eye terminals on both ends. Connect one eye with the main ground cable's attachment to the engine and the other eye unto a starter bolt having polished where the cable will touch the starter.

Get the battery tested.

Dave

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If you load tested the battery and it passed, check the battery cables and connections both hot and ground.

If that's all good, you have a fried starter.