In Reply to: 8N Starter Problems posted by Dan Mayer on September 15, 2018 at 10:11:24:
As Bruce has stated, when a solenoid just 'click, click, clicks', it is usually due to a dead or near dead battery. Are you running a 6V/POS GND system or a 12V switch job? Do you have a front mount distributor or the angle mount? You can jump start a 6V system with your 12V truck battery but you need to know how to do it right. Download a copy of Bruce(VA)'s '75 Tips for N-Owners' and keep it handy for reference. New, low-cost batteries can often be junk out the door from your local auto parts store too. Be certain you are using the correct battery for your tractor. A 6V type is a GRP-1 and a 12V type is a GRP-25 or GRP-35 battery. Avoid automotive, Deep Cycle, golf cart, and lawn mower batteries. Battery cables are also important. 6V requires heavier gauge than 12V- thick as your thumb style. The battery ground is best done using the OEM style braided strap -see attached LINK. You can take the battery and the starter to your local starter/alternator shop and they will bench test them, usually at no charge -pun not intended. A battery must sustain a full charge under load in order to perform successfully. While the shop is testing your components, go thru the entire wiring system and verify it is correct, whether 6V/POS GND or 12V/NEG GND. 99.98% of all non-starting/non-running issues are due to incorrect/bad wiring regardless if 6V or 12V. Your initial statement, "The starter seems to be grounded sometimes but sometimes not" would indicate something is not wired correctly. First, I'd disconnect the lights just to take them out of the equation. You can reconnect them later once root cause problem is determined and fixed. Go to our HOW-TO's forum, under ELECTRICAL and download a copy of "WIRING PICTOGRAMS BY JMOR" then find your set-up and use as a guide for your wiring system with no deviations allowed. You are on the right path so far, just need to make a few more basic tests. The battery and cables, then wiring system are primary concerns.
Tim Daley(MI)
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