Here it is August 2022. I live in South Carolina, and my neighbors tractor has starter issues. Thanks for a no nonsense video on these starters. Now we know what to do!
I had same problem on my 1961 Ford 4000 Industrial and I followed your instructions and filed it down and it worked great. Thanks. Got my tractor fixed in no time.
Nice fix. Must be nice working in such nice weather. I had my starter go out in my truck the first day of class this semester after a snowstorm. That wasn't too fun but it is what it is. The good news is it's only another month til spring is here.
***** I have no complaints about the weather out here... I have worked on my back in the freezing snow and I don't envy ANYONE who has to do that... if only things would understand to break only during nice weather....and during the day...lol.
Dan Whiteford Yep... It's on my "to order" list. I am sure I will new a few other odds and ends before this is all done. One big order will save on shipping.
I bought a 1952 8n 2 days ago. Tried to start, no luck. Starter would spin but not engage flywheel. I pulled the starter out after watching your helpful video, and the reason was quite obvious: absolutely NO teeth on the starter shaft! And this wasn't the original starter, obviously a replacement from china as the two bolts were 13mm.
It's always worth a shot. Remember when I had a idler lock up on me and found out 2 days later? I put the original belt back on afterwards, just for laughs. Lasted another month, that's one less month on the new belt :p
Good job and you got lucky ! I just had to replace the same starter you have on my Gehl skid steer and it was $126 for a remaned starter , Mine was totally shot and was going to cost more to rebuild than replace it with a reman. Great video. Bandit
When you get the new end watch the stieners video They show you how to reset the end when you get it turned out to far I had mine turn out three times till I got it back in my ford It is amazing how easy the new one works I finally took off my oil filter, lines to give me more room to work Then it stop spinning on me Love your videos
Good work YBK, I'm like you I'll take things apart at least once to see how it works.. And twice if I break it. lol But ya just get that part and stick it on the shelf until you need it but just remember where you put it. hahaha
RooneysSears01 Hey Rooney, Yep, it's not a priority repair so I will wait until I have other tractor stuff to buy and get it all at once to save shipping... it's not like it will spoil sitting on my shelf... assuming I don't lose it...lol.
628DirtRooster It will work for now. I will likely need a few other things for this machine and will just order everything at once to save on shipping.
krazy45cat Yep... it's on my "to-order" list. I am sure there will be a few other things to buy and will do it all at once to save shipping. Thanks Gerry!
Watch out for the curse of the temporary :P always bites me in the butt. And I think those may have been some of the funkiest beats ever to be associated with filing....excellent choice
gavinvilla13 hahaha, the temporaries have bit me in the butt too..lol. I do plan to purchase the starter gear assembly, just going to wait until I have a few other tractor things to buy to save in shipping.
My 9n start just spins, took it off and found that the front washer and pin is gone...I assume it is setting I. The bottom of the pan...any suggestions to getting it back without tearing too much apart? Thanks for the help
If only they were still this simple. I couldn't really ever see the mushrooming you were talking about, I think you were due for a close up before you filed her down. :) Glad it worked out, that's a fairly cheap replacement though too...perhaps an investment if you decide to keep the tractor at the ranch.
DivergentNic Definately a simpler, yet very effective design. The mushrooming was on the leading edge of that starter... it was subtle, but enough to cause that gear to get stuck on the flywheel and not retract. I will definately replace that entire gear/spring assembly. This was more of an exploratory surgery. It will allow me to continue to work on the tractor while I compile a shopping list of other odds and ends to order...waiting for a sale and will also save $$ on shipping.
I would replace the starter gear with a new one, because the corners of the flywheel teeth are probably worn also from the two gears coming together and engaging on start.
The5upermann1 As mentioned, I will eventually replace the starter gear pack. This repair keeps me able to work on the machine without always having to take a pair of pliers and rotate the engine to release the starter gear. I was able to feel the flywheel and the teeth are fine. In Ford's wisdom, the flywheel is a harder (likely a chrome moly) steel than the starter gear teeth.
Was this tractor converted to 12v negative ground? See this before on tractors that been converted from 6v to 12v. Sure it will work. But the started gets slammed until it wears or brakes parts. Including ring gear.
I wonder if they make a more modern starter to fit that tractor by the looks of it the drive gear pulls into the ring gear where as modern starters push into the ring gear. By the looks of that drive gear the teeth are worn back some and probably not getting full tooth contact on the flywheel.
Graveltrucking I have no idea on a more modern starter... I will be buying the gear/spring assembly and replace this worn one. I agree, it's not likely getting a full engagement into the flywheel.
Jim Freeman Good thinking... I did not think about that... I will eventually replace the gear/spring pack. This was more of an exploratory surgery and short term fix so I can keep on working on this tractor without having to use pliers every time to get the starter to retract.
I seen where your starter gear drive was pushed forward. It should have been in the retracted position. Every time I have starter trouble I'll pull the starter off and the ratchet drive gear will already be be forward like your drive gear.. By being forward like that the starter and flywheel are already engaged and the starter normally does not have enough power to turn the motor over. The drive gear is supposed to be retracted ( NOT ENGAGED TO FLYWHEEL ) You turn the starter over it spins the starter throwing the drive gear into the flywheel as it turns .then it turns the motor over. Now when the motor starts the ratchet gear is retracted again by the starter not turning and the flywheel now spins the gear drive back so the gear drive teeth are not touching the flywheel . . I'd guess your starter is staying engaged all the time causing your mushroom on gear teeth.
Just by curiosity, how long did it actually take you to get that off the tractor? I've been trying to get it off mine for about 30 minutes and eventually gave up and bolted the thing back on...
I don't remember exactly, but I do remember wrestling with it for 20 minutes at least. I had trouble getting the nose cone assembly to clear the flywheel.
yourbeekeeper well, I went back and tried and had the same problem and eventually got it free... Sadly the fix for my issue is a whole new starter drive assembly. The little ratchet teeth things behind the gear were all chewed off and not catching and mine is made in such a way I can't take it apart to attempt a temporary repair...
Can I slightly increase the power of a tractor starter??? it turns slowly as soon as the ambient temperature drops even though everything is fine, the rotor, pipes and cables have been changed. also the battery. everyone tells me it's small but it used to run very well... it's a Lucas brand with a 65hp Perkins engine
HI, Thanks for watching. Just curious, what weight engine oil are you running? Heavier oil weights make turning the engine over difficult when the engine/temps is cold. Just a thought.
Good afternoon I have a Ford tractor 8N problem this afternoon when I try to start it I got spark coming out the starter solenoid when I hit the ignition button what could be my problem I already replaced starter solenoid thinking that was the problem but it still doing the same thing have you seen this before please help thank you for your time
Good morning no the starter don't spin or engine right when I hit the ignition button it's parks at the starter solenoid I stop pressing the button, right when I see the Sparks it seems like it's sparking from the starter solenoid lead cable coming from the battery but only when I hit the ignition button have any idea thank you
Hi Leo. I am going under the assumption that your engine is not stuck or siezed. After confirming that your engine can be moved by hand, My first check would be the connection of the power cables from the battery. I would clean the battery terminals and cable clamps, I would clean the connection from the battery cable to the solenoid. Make sure all connections from the cables to the posts are clean and tight and try it again. Be very sure the connections of the grounding strap from the battery is clean and tight. Make sure the starter is tight to the engine block and not binding. If you do this and it still sparks, determine again that your engine is not stuck and can be moved by putting a wrench on the crank and attempting to roll the engine. BE ABSOLUTELY SURE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND TURN OFF THE IGN. SWITCH WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE ENGINE BY HAND. if the engine can be turned and the sparking continues after everything above has been attempted then the problem could be the starter. You should remove the starter and have it tested for function. Hope this helps out.
I'm a young buck when it comes to the old 8ns I been trying to start my grandpa's 1948 8n that has been sitting for a bit and the starter will start spinning the fan blade but it's a very weak spin/start and it cuts out about the 3rd I press and hold the button in it will ra ra ra about then nothing I need some help guys if anyone can help please reply. thank you
Your system may still be the original 6v, which will be a slow turnover even with a good battery. If the engine stops spinning after just a couple turns of the engine, it could be several things...weak battery, bad starter button, bad ground or positive cable, dirty/loose battery connections or a bad starter.
Farmallcub544 You mean I missed the free shipping promo!!!!! argh!!!!! I get their email stuff, but didn't ask for a mail-catalog. I will wait for the next one...
You are no fun. Anyone who pulls one of these starters the first time has to do it in pieces so they get to learn how to reassemble it. Trust me, it's a pain.
+yourbeekeeper The sheet metal cover allows access to the spring loaded brushes. With some practice and youtube help it's not too bad. Two of the brushes are soldered on and it takes some serious heat to replace them. I had to use 2 soldering irons.
It turned out to be Excessive wear on the ratchet starter drive (Bendix). Dressing the gear teeth helped for a couple years, but now it's beyond repair. This Spring, I will replace the Bendix and life will be good. It's about a $30 part at Steiner Tractor.
Here it is August 2022. I live in South Carolina, and my neighbors tractor has starter issues. Thanks for a no nonsense video on these starters. Now we know what to do!
Came for the tutorial. Stayed for the dry wit.
Thanks so much for sharing, I love these series about the tractor
masonejoejoex You're very welcome. Glad you enjoy the vids.
I had same problem on my 1961 Ford 4000 Industrial and I followed your instructions and filed it down and it worked great. Thanks. Got my tractor fixed in no time.
+JM Funny Farm Fantastic!!! Glad I could help out.
Nice fix. Must be nice working in such nice weather. I had my starter go out in my truck the first day of class this semester after a snowstorm. That wasn't too fun but it is what it is. The good news is it's only another month til spring is here.
***** I have no complaints about the weather out here... I have worked on my back in the freezing snow and I don't envy ANYONE who has to do that... if only things would understand to break only during nice weather....and during the day...lol.
Great video! I have a 1950 8N and am experiencing starter issues. Haven't had time to address it yet but looking forward to trying. Thanks!
That does sound better than before but I also think you are correct about needing a new part to really sort it.
Dan Whiteford Yep... It's on my "to order" list. I am sure I will new a few other odds and ends before this is all done. One big order will save on shipping.
Sweet action that's awesome
2LateIWon Sure is!
I bought a 1952 8n 2 days ago. Tried to start, no luck. Starter would spin but not engage flywheel. I pulled the starter out after watching your helpful video, and the reason was quite obvious: absolutely NO teeth on the starter shaft! And this wasn't the original starter, obviously a replacement from china as the two bolts were 13mm.
That's not good... dang. If you haven't found parts yet, check out Steinertractor.com should have everything you need for that tractor.
Wish I would've watched this first I pulled mine apart.
It's always worth a shot. Remember when I had a idler lock up on me and found out 2 days later? I put the original belt back on afterwards, just for laughs. Lasted another month, that's one less month on the new belt :p
Veikra every little bit of time helps.
Good job and you got lucky ! I just had to replace the same starter you have on my Gehl skid steer and it was $126 for a remaned starter , Mine was totally shot and was going to cost more to rebuild than replace it with a reman. Great video. Bandit
+Bandit farmer Thank you Bandit!!! I sure did get lucky.
I think you need to buy a Lotto ticket ! Bandit
WHAT IVE SEEN ON MY OLD WILLY JEEP ON BOY ALICE THAT TECH WAS MADE
When you get the new end watch the stieners video
They show you how to reset the end when you get it turned out to far
I had mine turn out three times till I got it back in my ford
It is amazing how easy the new one works
I finally took off my oil filter, lines to give me more room to work
Then it stop spinning on me
Love your videos
Farmallcub544 Steiner is where I had planned tol buy it... thank you for the info!
I forgot to thank you for the helpful tip of putting the nuts back on the long bolts before removing the starter!
Glad it helped
Good work YBK, I'm like you I'll take things apart at least once to see how it works.. And twice if I break it. lol But ya just get that part and stick it on the shelf until you need it but just remember where you put it. hahaha
RooneysSears01 Hey Rooney, Yep, it's not a priority repair so I will wait until I have other tractor stuff to buy and get it all at once to save shipping... it's not like it will spoil sitting on my shelf... assuming I don't lose it...lol.
sounds good
Jim Rowlings Thanks Jim.
Looks like that did the trick. $25 savings
628DirtRooster It will work for now. I will likely need a few other things for this machine and will just order everything at once to save on shipping.
Nice work on the starter gear Steve! That will probably last a good long time.
AVTreasures I sure hope so Buddy!!! Appreciate you stoppin in.
good temp repair
drvshaft drew Thanks Drew
Well if your really looking for a project, what about adding a ball of Weld on each tooth and filing it back with a Dremel Tool ?
Lawrence Eich Hmmmmmmm....
Quick fix , I would get a new drive .When it finally goes out you will have the part in stock .
krazy45cat Yep... it's on my "to-order" list. I am sure there will be a few other things to buy and will do it all at once to save shipping. Thanks Gerry!
Watch out for the curse of the temporary :P always bites me in the butt.
And I think those may have been some of the funkiest beats ever to be associated with filing....excellent choice
gavinvilla13 hahaha, the temporaries have bit me in the butt too..lol. I do plan to purchase the starter gear assembly, just going to wait until I have a few other tractor things to buy to save in shipping.
I had a spare so I just popped it in. The defective one had broken brush wire, but I am not sure if the stator is good enough to rebuild.
Nice to have parts in stock.
My 9n start just spins, took it off and found that the front washer and pin is gone...I assume it is setting I. The bottom of the pan...any suggestions to getting it back without tearing too much apart? Thanks for the help
Smart and funny! What was the original symptom of the starter not working?
If only they were still this simple. I couldn't really ever see the mushrooming you were talking about, I think you were due for a close up before you filed her down. :) Glad it worked out, that's a fairly cheap replacement though too...perhaps an investment if you decide to keep the tractor at the ranch.
DivergentNic Definately a simpler, yet very effective design. The mushrooming was on the leading edge of that starter... it was subtle, but enough to cause that gear to get stuck on the flywheel and not retract. I will definately replace that entire gear/spring assembly. This was more of an exploratory surgery. It will allow me to continue to work on the tractor while I compile a shopping list of other odds and ends to order...waiting for a sale and will also save $$ on shipping.
COME ON MAN U HAVING THE FUN POLISH UP ARM SHAFT
73 SUPERGLIDE lol
I would replace the starter gear with a new one, because the corners of the flywheel teeth are probably worn also from the two gears coming together and engaging on start.
The5upermann1 As mentioned, I will eventually replace the starter gear pack. This repair keeps me able to work on the machine without always having to take a pair of pliers and rotate the engine to release the starter gear. I was able to feel the flywheel and the teeth are fine. In Ford's wisdom, the flywheel is a harder (likely a chrome moly) steel than the starter gear teeth.
that family guy reference lol....... oooo piece of candy.....lol
dan alfed Good catch!
Was this tractor converted to 12v negative ground? See this before on tractors that been converted from 6v to 12v. Sure it will work. But the started gets slammed until it wears or brakes parts. Including ring gear.
did you check/adjust the flux capacitor? The muffler bearings sound like they could use some snake oil as well...
nah, he's just low on headlight fluid, and bearing are fine as they were done with the cranklewomple calibration
His blinker fluid is low
***** I thought it was that brass radiator valve that needed replacement...
Great video, was wondering if you know thread size of 1/2 nuts to keep starter together, Thks
HI Scott, sorry, I don't know that off hand. I don't have this tractor close to look
"awwww fudge nuts" lmao
I wonder if they make a more modern starter to fit that tractor by the looks of it the drive gear pulls into the ring gear where as modern starters push into the ring gear. By the looks of that drive gear the teeth are worn back some and probably not getting full tooth contact on the flywheel.
Graveltrucking I have no idea on a more modern starter... I will be buying the gear/spring assembly and replace this worn one. I agree, it's not likely getting a full engagement into the flywheel.
You probably want to get it fixed soon if the ring gear gets pooched anymore you will have a tractor in two pieces in the driveway.
you could have put some marking fluid or something on those teeth, then when you pulled it out again you could see how far it was engaging.
Jim Freeman Good thinking... I did not think about that... I will eventually replace the gear/spring pack. This was more of an exploratory surgery and short term fix so I can keep on working on this tractor without having to use pliers every time to get the starter to retract.
What kind of muffler are you using ? It’s so quiet, I’m jealous
It came with the tractor, but it sure looks like the stock 8n muffler that Steinertractor.com sells.
I seen where your starter gear drive was pushed forward. It should have been in the retracted position. Every time I have starter trouble I'll pull the starter off and the ratchet drive gear will already be be forward like your drive gear.. By being forward like that the starter and flywheel are already engaged and the starter normally does not have enough power to turn the motor over. The drive gear is supposed to be retracted ( NOT ENGAGED TO FLYWHEEL ) You turn the starter over it spins the starter throwing the drive gear into the flywheel as it turns .then it turns the motor over. Now when the motor starts the ratchet gear is retracted again by the starter not turning and the flywheel now spins the gear drive back so the gear drive teeth are not touching the flywheel . . I'd guess your starter is staying engaged all the time causing your mushroom on gear teeth.
czcams.com/video/GTmxlDXL8hc/video.html#t=17.481708
Whats the best way to turn flywheel just to make sure it will turn
From the front of the engine, use the crank pulley.
does steve remind anyone else of Joe Pesci from Home Alone, and Home Alone2 with the grumbling and the like... = D
jjlwis hahahaha... Now that's a new one.
Just by curiosity, how long did it actually take you to get that off the tractor? I've been trying to get it off mine for about 30 minutes and eventually gave up and bolted the thing back on...
I don't remember exactly, but I do remember wrestling with it for 20 minutes at least. I had trouble getting the nose cone assembly to clear the flywheel.
yourbeekeeper well, I went back and tried and had the same problem and eventually got it free... Sadly the fix for my issue is a whole new starter drive assembly. The little ratchet teeth things behind the gear were all chewed off and not catching and mine is made in such a way I can't take it apart to attempt a temporary repair...
That's a bummer. I have had good luck with parts from www.steinertractor.com/
yourbeekeeper thanks. I figured out how to get it apart finally but I still dont have the proper tools for a decent fix
Can I slightly increase the power of a tractor starter??? it turns slowly as soon as the ambient temperature drops even though everything is fine, the rotor, pipes and cables have been changed. also the battery. everyone tells me it's small but it used to run very well... it's a Lucas brand with a 65hp Perkins engine
HI, Thanks for watching. Just curious, what weight engine oil are you running? Heavier oil weights make turning the engine over difficult when the engine/temps is cold. Just a thought.
sae 30. I think it needs thinner oil... I just remember some times when it started up faster...
Is there lube to put on the shaft?
phooesnax hmmmmmm... to answer this like an adult...I will say yes, I did put some lube on the shaft... :-)
None needed. Manual says wash in kerosene and install
What kind a plasma did u get
73 SUPERGLIDE Its a 20-year old Centrury machine. Works beautifully. I have a couple videos of it.
its has working 20 years
Good afternoon I have a Ford tractor 8N problem this afternoon when I try to start it I got spark coming out the starter solenoid when I hit the ignition button what could be my problem I already replaced starter solenoid thinking that was the problem but it still doing the same thing have you seen this before please help thank you for your time
HI Leo, Is the starter spinning when you press the ign. button? is the engine spinning?
Good morning no the starter don't spin or engine right when I hit the ignition button it's parks at the starter solenoid I stop pressing the button, right when I see the Sparks it seems like it's sparking from the starter solenoid lead cable coming from the battery but only when I hit the ignition button have any idea thank you
Hi Leo. I am going under the assumption that your engine is not stuck or siezed. After confirming that your engine can be moved by hand, My first check would be the connection of the power cables from the battery. I would clean the battery terminals and cable clamps, I would clean the connection from the battery cable to the solenoid. Make sure all connections from the cables to the posts are clean and tight and try it again. Be very sure the connections of the grounding strap from the battery is clean and tight. Make sure the starter is tight to the engine block and not binding. If you do this and it still sparks, determine again that your engine is not stuck and can be moved by putting a wrench on the crank and attempting to roll the engine. BE ABSOLUTELY SURE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND TURN OFF THE IGN. SWITCH WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE ENGINE BY HAND. if the engine can be turned and the sparking continues after everything above has been attempted then the problem could be the starter. You should remove the starter and have it tested for function. Hope this helps out.
What was your original problem with the starter?You never stated
The gear that engages the flywheel was very worn down on the leading edge and would grind.
I'm a young buck when it comes to the old 8ns I been trying to start my grandpa's 1948 8n that has been sitting for a bit and the starter will start spinning the fan blade but it's a very weak spin/start and it cuts out about the 3rd I press and hold the button in it will ra ra ra about then nothing I need some help guys if anyone can help please reply. thank you
Your system may still be the original 6v, which will be a slow turnover even with a good battery. If the engine stops spinning after just a couple turns of the engine, it could be several things...weak battery, bad starter button, bad ground or positive cable, dirty/loose battery connections or a bad starter.
Thank you very much sir much appreciated! and yes it is still 6v battery trying to keep it as original as he bought it
Steiner offers free shipping around holidays
They just did for February 14
Saves moneyyyyyyy!!!!!
You did get there free big Catalog?
Farmallcub544 You mean I missed the free shipping promo!!!!! argh!!!!! I get their email stuff, but didn't ask for a mail-catalog. I will wait for the next one...
You are no fun. Anyone who pulls one of these starters the first time has to do it in pieces so they get to learn how to reassemble it. Trust me, it's a pain.
+hlyautey hahha... I have never pulled one before, I guess I got lucky.
+yourbeekeeper The sheet metal cover allows access to the spring loaded brushes. With some practice and youtube help it's not too bad. Two of the brushes are soldered on and it takes some serious heat to replace them. I had to use 2 soldering irons.
you forgot to paint it.....
dzlfreek GRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!
Broken ring gear tooth?
It turned out to be Excessive wear on the ratchet starter drive (Bendix). Dressing the gear teeth helped for a couple years, but now it's beyond repair. This Spring, I will replace the Bendix and life will be good. It's about a $30 part at Steiner Tractor.
They aren't supposed to be beveled.
LOOKS LIKE WEAR RING AND GEAR
73 SUPERGLIDE Yes sir.
old tractor like stop in the allmost same location each time lol so strange
GOS IN A BOUT 9/16 OLD STUFF DOES THAT
73 SUPERGLIDE Thanks!
i bet it hard follow what saying lol
Sometimes.. But I can figure it out.
To many blood sucking commercials in the beginning. Pure greed! Put them elsewhere!