Starter (?) Problem

[capefarm]

My starter seems to be disengaging too soon. It cranks just fine, but at the first sign of life in the engine it withdraws from the fly and spins disengaged. Not enough to get the engine going on a cold morning, and the problem is getting worse. Also, after using the tractor for any length of time, the starter barely turns - engine must be allowed to cool. Looks to be the original Delco Remy. Time for a new starter?

[staninlowerAL]

JMHO, I would have a starter R&R shop check the starter for possible overhaul. A weak bendix spring will cause premature disengagement.

[Matt Kirsch]

The temperature of the engine should have no bearing on how the starter turns. In fact it should turn easier on a warm/hot engine.

Have you tried to turn the engine over with a crank when hot? There is an off chance it could be seizing up, indicating some pretty major problems.

[Eugene]

Ignition timing. Conduct complete engine tune up.

[inairam]

My starter seems to be disengaging too soon. It cranks just fine, but at the first sign of life in the engine it withdraws from the fly and spins disengaged. Not enough to get the engine going on a cold morning, and the problem is getting worse. Also, after using the tractor for any length of time, the starter barely turns - engine must be allowed to cool. Looks to be the original Delco Remy. Time for a new starter?

The Bendix on this is designed to disengage are the first sign of life. Some of mine do that. If the engine does not start easily it may be time for a tune up and or carb to get some attention.

I had a 1949 with that hot starter problem. I took it to a shop and the said the armature bushings were tight and or not seated correctly and when the engine got hot the starter got hot and the bushing close up the gap putting too much drag. I had to wait for it to cool as well. They re built it and I had not problems since.

[indy61]

The Bendix on this is designed to disengage at the first sign of life. Some of mine do that. If the engine does not start easily it may be time for a tune up and or carb to get some attention.

I agree, a new set of points properly gapped might make a huge difference. Also learning how to choke in different temperatures can ease starting and prevent flooding.

[capefarm]

Thank you all so very much, and I believe you have the logical solution: a tune up and some carb work. The tractor does not get enough use, but going into and through winter it will. Also, it's likely bushings are at the root of the hot starter problem. Bought a starter rebuild kit 18 months ago, but obviously time can get away from one. The choke on this tractor functions in its own mysterious way, but a tune up/carb work should make it more predictable.

[inairam]

I have a 49 and a 50. They tend to flood more than my other cubs for some reason. If it does not start remove the tube to the air cleaner and see if fuel comes out. See if it starts without the air tube on. If so it may only need some carb work.

Also throttle at 1/2 way and choke only for the first try. After the first try chokes off. see if that works