Farmall Cub

Started the '47 cub this morning without an issue and then shut it off while I loaded the trailer it was hitched to. When I pulled the starter to fire it back up, the starter wouldn't engage.

It was kicked out like it does after the tractor starts.

I knocked on the starter gently a couple raps to no avail.
I was parked on enough of a hill to roll start, but still can't start electrically because the starter still won't engage.

What now?

Two cheap areas to check first.

1) Clean up all of the battery and battery cable connections.
2) Voltage drop test for battery condition.

Depending on how much you want to spend will dictate what you will do after you pull the starter.

Since the tractor was run, stopped and it still won't start, it is probably not the flywheel teeth.

Suspect the starter drive is the cause of the problem. You can begin by inspecting and cleaning the starter and or starter drive if no obvious damage is observed, after cleaning test the reinstalled starter.

If a thorough cleaning didn't do the trick, remove the starter and replace the drive, or have the starter rebuilt at an electrical shop.

Or, replace the complete starter assembly if you find that course of action economically feasible.

If you have a hand crank try crank starting it. That will at least get you running to do what you want to do and buy some time before a final fix. I just had a starter rebuilt for about $80. Works great. Starts better than ever. I thought my battery was constantly dead, but with the starter rebuilt the battery is fine and the motor spins over right away.

Todd

A few more raps with a hammer handle has me back up and running.
Today was the first I've had this problem, so I'll keep an eye on it.

If tapping straightened it out it's probably the Bendix drive is a little wore and binding.

You can replace them pretty easy yourself.

Matt Kirsch wrote:If tapping straightened it out it's probably the Bendix drive is a little wore and binding.

You can replace them pretty easy yourself.

or the bendix drive is all gunked up and needs cleaned.