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Farmall H starting problems

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bob

11-25-2002 06:39:42




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My 1952 Farmall H (6-volt system) cranks very slowly and is impossible to start in cold weather. Even with a new battery, the cranking is very slow and if its cold (less than 50 degrees) it's not likely to start. The battery doesn't charge while it's running since the generator isn't any good, but it's been this way for the nine years I've owned it. Since it is only used ocassionally, it's not a big deal for me to just put it on the charger for a few hours to get enough juice to kick it over. In warmer weather it usually starts, but when it's cold, it sounds pathetic and won't start. My question is: Would installing new battery cables increase the cranking power or is there something else I should be doing?

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BOB

11-26-2002 06:26:14




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 Re: Farmall H starting problems in reply to bob, 11-25-2002 06:39:42  
THANKS EVERYBODY for your comments. Obviously if I depended on this machine for my livelihood, I would be paying more attention to all of these items you have suggested. It is frustrating to have a project all lined up and the $%#(*&!#&@$ machine won't kick over, It's not the machine's fault, but mine, for not maintaining it as well as I should. Short on time and short on $$$$.Thanks again.



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Curly Vickroy

11-25-2002 17:55:11




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 Re: Farmall H starting problems in reply to bob, 11-25-2002 06:39:42  
Good battery cables are a must on 6 volt systems. Also check the starter brushes and bushings, and ignition points. If the tractor has good compression it should start, hot or cold.



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Bob M

11-25-2002 07:46:23




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 Re: Farmall H starting problems in reply to bob, 11-25-2002 06:39:42  
Bob - There's several things you can do:

1 - If the battery cables are at all suspect, replace them with new. Use 1/0 cable and new, soldered-on (not crimped) terminals.

2 - While you are replacing the cables, recommend replacing starter switch too. They're cheap, and when worn can add resistance to the cranking circuit and make the engine crank slower.

3 - Remove the starter an check if the armature is stiff (you should be able to turn it easily with finger pressure on the bendix). If not oil the bushings at both ends.

4 - While you have the starter off, check the commutator/brushes. Clean and replace if required, and make sure none of the 4 brush holders are stuck.

A couple other suggestions:

Highly recommend you get the charging system fixed! Your method of operation (charging the battery when you need to run the tractor) works but will shorten the life of the battery, and it will cause the battery to have reduced cranking power.

If you don't already, switch to a multi-weight oil (5W-30 or 10W-30) in winter weather. Lets the motor crank easier when it's cold.

Good luck!!

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John J

11-25-2002 11:30:24




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 Re: Re: Farmall H starting problems in reply to Bob M, 11-25-2002 07:46:23  
Fix the charging system, put in an 8 volt battery, like the other guys said, go thru the cables and contact points.



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Sean Brinston

11-25-2002 09:26:18




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 Re: Re: Farmall H starting problems in reply to Bob M, 11-25-2002 07:46:23  
Make sure your battery is strong enough and invest in a block heater.



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Bob M

11-25-2002 14:25:29




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 Re: Re: Re: Farmall H starting problems in reply to Sean Brinston, 11-25-2002 09:26:18  
A block heater will help, but my experience has been a heater is unnecessary. If the motor is tuned and the starting system is maintained, an H will start reliably down to -10 or colder with the stock 6 volt electrics, without auxiliary heat. They'll crank painfully slow, but they WILL start!



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Adam Wisconsin

11-25-2002 19:01:41




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Farmall H starting problems in reply to Bob M, 11-25-2002 14:25:29  
If you dont want to mess around rebuild the startor replace the starter swich and wireing and install a GM 12 Volt altinator with internal regulator and 12 volt battery now the tractor will start quicker in the summer and won't hardly hesitate in the winter. If you swich it to 12 volt limit cranking on the starter to no more then 30 seconds at a time, the origional starter will handle 12 volt but will get extreamlt hot if cranked on for a long time. Good luck Adam

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