Takes multiple key turns before starter will start turning - L2550

[Stinger23]

When I try to start my tractor, I always have to turn the key to start multiple times before it will engage the starter. Each turn of the key will get a solenoid "click" and after somewhere between 5 and 30 key turns it will finally let me crank the engine. It seems like it takes way more "clicks" after it's sat a while and less "clicks" if it's recently engaged the starter.

On a car I would say it's the starter solenoid but I haven't been able to locate the solenoid on this tractor. Is it in the starter? Is it hidden somewhere that's difficult to find?

The other possibility is the key switch but since I always get a "click", I would think that would eliminate the switch as the culprit.

A bad starter is also possible but the click is not the starter engaging in the flywheel and then refusing to turn so I don't think this is the likely culprit either.

Any thoughts on this or info regarding starter solenoid location? Thanks!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

The Starter solenoid is on the starter.
Your problem could be the main switch, safety switch or the starter solenoid.
Quick test, make 100% sure tractor is in neutral and the brakes are set.
Then go to the starter, you will find a small wire attached to a terminal on the starter normally black white stripe, that's the solenoid wire. use a short piece of wire and jump that small wire connection the the Positive cable on the starter, if it cranks right away, try it several times, if it does it consistently you will need to figure out if it's the main switch or the safety switch, as the solenoid and starter are fine.
Check back in if it passes the solenoid test.

 

[Stinger23]

Thanks, I'll do that test hopefully this weekend an report back.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

after somewhere between 5 and 30 key turns it will finally let me crank the engine. I

As per normal @North Idaho Wolfman gives great advice.

However, I must say sir, that you sound like a very "determined" person to turn that key 30 times......I would have thrown my hands in the air and started cussing at around the 3 mark......

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.

 

[Stinger23]

As per normal @North Idaho Wolfman gives great advice.

However, I must say sir, that you sound like a very "determined" person to turn that key 30 times......I would have thrown my hands in the air and started cussing at around the 3 mark......

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.

Yes, it gets a little frustrating but I know it's coming so I just turn it real quick over and over until the starter engages once, then I know the next turn it will work again. Only takes maybe 10-15 seconds total before it's cranking.

 

[Dustball]

I watched a Mustie1 video recently of a very similar issue and his troubleshooting steps along the way. He (sorta) figures out what's going on at the 1 hour mark. It's a good troubleshooting process to follow to determine if your issue is at the starter/starter solenoid, ignition switch, or somewhere else along the way.

 

[Stinger23]

That is a good video, thanks for that!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

go to www.kubotabooks.com and download the l2250-l2550....PDF WSM ( 3 parts ).
If this is yours, there's only ONE 'safety switch' between ignition switch and starter so super simple to troubleshoot.

Now depending on age and hours, the ignition switch could be 'wore out'.....

 

[Workerbee]

I have a jd 318 that I use at the cabin. It was doing that same thing, turn the key, off and on, click click until it would finally go. I finally figured it out, it was the spade connectors that go onto the starter solenoid. Cleaned those well, and tightened them up a bit so they fit firmer. No more issues since.

 

[Stinger23]

I did some voltage drop measurements and such and determined that the problem was the spade connector at the starter so I cleaned it and squeezed the prongs tighter and slid it back onto the starter and did about 10 straight key turns that engaged the starter so this problem appears to be resolved.

 

[jaxs]