How to start a tractor with a screwdriver

Q: How do you start a tractor that wont start?

If your tractor cranks, but wont start, youll want to look at a few different engine components. Is the fuel making it to the cylinder? Check the fuel level, the shutoff valve, and the fuel filter. If those components look ok, air might not be making it to the cylinder.

Question

good morning, i have recently acquired a Bolens G192 (Iseki TS1910) that requires a screwdriver on the starter solenoid to start. i would like to set this thing up properly. the ignition switch and key are there and intact but do not start the tractor. does anyone know where i can get a new switch or what the easy fix is? also the safety switch on the clutch does not work - not a huge deal but would like to fix that too.

Índice Show

Items you will need
How do you start a tractor that won't start?

P.S. last time i tried to start it the starter just spun free half the time - it would not catch. time for a new starter too?

thanks for the help

When you turn the key to start it does the starter motor click or do anything??............IMHO seems to be the starter itself...perhaps the solenoid if you short across it and then the starter motor kicks in.......these are easily rebuilt by a genenerator/alternator/starter repair builder shop......

Did you test the hot wire coming off the key to see if it was sending voltage back to the solenoid?...........Dennis

It sounds like you may have 2 problems. Bad solenoid & either bad wiring or switches. I can supply you with parts. The solenoid is expensive.

thanks for the replies. i am lousy with electric diagnostics. when i turn the key nothing happens at all. i have to jump the terminals on the starter solenoid. actually i cannot get it started the last few days. too cold i gues. it'll turn over for ever but will not start.
i guess i'll have to go get a new multi-meter and learn how to test things.

Lens12 can you give me an idea as to the cost for solenoid/ignition switch?

thanks,

EFC

Veteran Member

On the 1910 the key only selects if you want the ignition on with or without headlights. The switch on the left side of the dash engages the starter and glow plugs. I assume it is the same on the G192?

Buck

Like EFC said, you turn on the key then start with the other switch. I don't know about a Bolen but on a 1910 you also have a T handle on the left side (kinda below the dash) that MUST be pushed in. If it's not all you'll get is the engine turning over and it'll never start.

As for the clutch switch - I just "fixed" mine. The wires from under the dash were connected to each other and when I disconnected them the tractor wouldn't start. I connected them into the clutch switch and it was "fixed".

well i knew of the t-handle. definately in when starting. i did not know of the button on the dash. i'll try that although the previous owner said i had to jump at the solenoid as the ignition did not work. i do have a spring loaded button that turns to the left for Glow and right for Start. i assumed that was the start button and nothing happens there. i'll check it out.

thanks again guys.

by Cassandra TribeUpdated July 21, 2017

Items you will need

Power source (12- or 6-volt battery)
Jumper cables
Long screwdriver (with rubber handle)

Tips

Check the voltage in your tractor battery before attempting to jump start it. If the voltage has drained too far, you will not be able to jump start it and the battery must be replaced.

Warnings

The tractor may lurch forward or backwards when it is jump started. Do not stand behind or in front of the tractor when attempting to jump start it or you will be run over.

After a long winter, or a long spell between using your tractor, you may find that when you go to start it, the battery is dead and the engine won't catch. You can jump start a tractor much in the same way as you jump start a car. There are certain important considerations to remember before you attempt this. Many tractors, farm or lawn, use a 6-volt battery system and not a 12-volt; you cannot jump start these types with a regular car. Once you have a power source that will not overwhelm your tractor system, you can jump start a tractor easily.

Push the clutch in on your tractor and lock it into position.

Connect the jumper cables to your power source. For instance, if your tractor has a 12-volt battery, you can use a small car as a power source. Turn the engine on and connect the red lead of the one of the ends to the jumper cables to the post of your battery. Connect the black lead (on the same end as the one you just connected) to the frame of the car to ground it.

Standing on the side of the tractor, connect the red lead of the jumper cable to the positive post of the battery. Then connect the black lead to the negative post of the battery. Let the battery charge for 15 minutes and then try to start the engine. If the engine turns but does not start, let it sit for another 15 minutes before trying again.

If the engine will still not turn, use the metal shank of your long handle screwdriver to form a bridge between the post on the starter that the battery connects to (this typically has a red wire from the battery connected to it) and the top screw on the starter. Your tractor should start; if it does not, then there is a problem with your starter.

How do you start a tractor that won't start?

If your tractor cranks, but won't start, you'll want to look at a few different engine components. Is the fuel making it to the cylinder? Check the fuel level, the shutoff valve, and the fuel filter. If those components look ok, air might not be making it to the cylinder.

start tractor screwdriver