Starter Wiring and Solenoid Issue.

[G Douglas]

Hi having problem with my dexta. Looked like the terminal where the wire from solenoid goes on with the spade was broken. So got a new solenoid and still no joy. There is power I both the wires going to solenoid and starts when crossed. So thinking there must be a prob with the new solenoid But a pal tells me my tractor is wired up wrong as it should be positive earth But mine is negative earth. And has been all time I have owned it. If it has been swapped at some time would that effect the way new solenoid has to be wired up. I don't know much about this sort of thing. Thanks Gordon

[PghBill]

Gordon,
If your tractor started and ran before this problem, it should do the same after replacing the solenoid regardless of weather it's positive or negative earth.
Might not be a problem with your solenoid. If you tractor is in fact negative earth. Make sure it is out of gear and take a jumper and touch it between the positive cable from your battery and the small terminal on your solenoid. If the solenoid pulls in, the problem is elsewhere. Like are you getting power to the solenoid thru the start switch? Or, are you getting power from your key switch to your start switch?
Keep us posted,
Bill

[G Douglas]

Gordon,
If your tractor started and ran before this problem, it should do the same after replacing the solenoid regardless of weather it's positive or negative earth.
Might not be a problem with your solenoid. If you tractor is in fact negative earth. Make sure it is out of gear and take a jumper and touch it between the positive cable from your battery and the small terminal on your solenoid. If the solenoid pulls in, the problem is elsewhere. Like are you getting power to the solenoid thru the start switch? Or, are you getting power from your key switch to your start switch?
Keep us posted,
Bill

Gordon,
If your tractor started and ran before this problem, it should do the same after replacing the solenoid regardless of weather it's positive or negative earth.
Might not be a problem with your solenoid. If you tractor is in fact negative earth. Make sure it is out of gear and take a jumper and touch it between the positive cable from your battery and the small terminal on your solenoid. If the solenoid pulls in, the problem is elsewhere. Like are you getting power to the solenoid thru the start switch? Or, are you getting power from your key switch to your start switch?
Keep us posted,
Bill

[G Douglas]

Hi sent the new solenoid I got. Back so waiting for a replacement coming. Then will try what ur saying to try with the jump lead. I only had a tester not a amp meter so all I know do far is. With key start on it lit up with wire furthest away from engine. And with the starter handle pushed down wire nearest to engine on starter motor light up

[pbufton]

if you can get your hands on a spare voltage regulator that works, i'd try that. My dexta and one other i've spoken to on here were doing very peculiar things even though the wiring was exactly as per the diagram in the workshop manual...seems as though the starter motor is dead when you press the lever? it was a fried regulator.

[PghBill]

Hi sent the new solenoid I got. Back so waiting for a replacement coming. Then will try what ur saying to try with the jump lead. I only had a tester not a amp meter so all I know do far is. With key start on it lit up with wire furthest away from engine. And with the starter handle pushed down wire nearest to engine on starter motor light up

Well it appears that you are getting voltage thru your starter switch to the solenoid. Just don't know if it's 12 volts or if it's less. Low voltage can keep your solenoid from pulling in. If your new solenoid doesn't work , put a volt meter on the wire to your starter switch and check for 12 volts. If it's good then check the other side of the starter switch with the handle depressed and make sure you are getting 12 volts thru the switch. If that's good check the voltage at the solenoid

[G Douglas]

New solenoid now fitted and still no joy

[PghBill]

Have you tried checking the voltage with a meter as I suggested above? Loose or corroded connections can cause voltage to drop when under load giving you less than 12 volts. A loose or corroded connection at your key switch or starter switch could cause this problem. Also a loose or corroded earth connection could cause the voltage to drop under load also
Bill