Some sources estimate a well-maintained farm tractors can last between 4,000 to 15,000 hours, or 15 to 30 years. Take note of these particular words: "well-maintained."

If you don't put effort, time, and money into upkeep, then your tractor is bound to fall apart before it even reaches 4,000 hours of use. It may feel like a pain to do so, but in the long run, it'll be worth it. You'll spend less money, and your tractor will break down less often, too.

This article explores proper maintenance of Ford tractor starters. Read on to find out more!

Inspect Electrical Connections Regularly

The starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine, and to do this, it relies on strong electrical connections. It uses these to deliver the necessary current from the battery.

Over time, the terminals can become loose, corroded, or dirty. In turn, this reduces efficiency and prevents the starter from engaging altogether.

To prevent this from happening, you should check the battery cables. Both the positive and ground cables should be free of wear, corrosion, or fraying.

You should also clean the terminals. Use a wire brush or terminal cleaner to remove corrosion. Then, apply dielectric grease to prevent moisture from building up.

Lastly, tighten all connections. Ensure all nuts and bolts are properly torqued so that they maintain solid electrical contact.

All of the above will prevent voltage drop and make sure that the starter receives the full power it needs.

Test the Battery Health

One of the most common causes of starter issues is a weak or failing battery. A compromised battery will strain your Ford tractor starter unnecessarily, so regularly test the battery health.

Use a multimeter to check the voltage; it should be around 12.6 volts when fully charged. It shouldn't drop below 10 volts during cranking. Also, have the battery load tested at intervals, especially before seasons where there's heavy usage.

Old batteries will lose their cranking capacity, so replace them on time to prevent starter strain.

Keep the Starter Motor Clean and Dry

Due to their working environments or engine leaks, starters are often exposed to dirt, oil, and moisture. As a result, these contaminants can cause:

• Overheating
• Poor engagement
• Internal failure

So it's important that you check for leaks. Check nearby seals and gaskets, as oil leaks in those areas may drip onto the starter.

To protect against moisture, wipe down the starter periodically, as this can remove buildup. You should also ensure that the storage area is dry. You can use moisture-displacing sprays if you're using the tractor in damp conditions.

Inspect the Solenoid Function

The starter solenoid is what engages the starter motor when the ignition switch is turned. If this fails, then the starter won't engage, and you might hear it click without turning over.

So one of the first things to do is listen for a clicking sound. If it's present, then you might have worn contacts or a weak battery.

Then, check the wiring to the solenoid. The small ignition wire and main battery feed should be secure.

You should test the solenoid continuity too. A multimeter can verify if it's functioning if engagement issues happen.

Check Starter Mounting and Alignment

If the starter is poorly mounted, then it can cause:

• Grinding noises
• Premature gear wear
• Damage to the flywheel

On the other hand, proper alignment gives you smooth engagement between the starter gear and the flywheel teeth. You can make sure this happens by inspecting the mounting bolts and seeing that they're tight and free from vibration loosening. Some models may require shims for correct gear clearance.

In addition, listen for grinding. Grinding noises at startup might signal misalignment or worn starter gears.

Monitor Starter Engagement Time

If you overcrank the starter, it can cause overheating, which then shortens the starter's lifespan. A healthy engine should start within a few seconds, so if it's taking longer than that, you probably have underlying issues.

In general, you should avoid holding the key or button for more than 10-15 seconds at a time. If you need multiple attempts, then wait 30 seconds in between each try to troubleshoot your tractor starter.

If multiple starts don't work, then it may not be an issue with your starter. Hard starting may be caused by problems with:

• Fuel delivery
• Ignition
• Compression

Lubricate and Inspect Starter Drive Components

The starter drive (or Bendix drive) is responsible for extending the gear to engage the flywheel. If it sticks or wears out, then your tractor won't start smoothly.

As part of tractor starter maintenance, you should check the gear teeth for:

• Wear
• Chips
• Rounding

You should also use light grease on the drive mechanism to lubricate it. However, be careful not to go overboard, as excess grease can attract dirt.

And if you notice that the drive's worn, replace it immediately. A faulty one can cause repeated grinding and flywheel damage if you don't.

Schedule Periodic Professional Inspections

While Ford is one of the best tractor starter brands, the reality is that internal starter components (such as brushes, windings, and bearings) wear out over time. The good news is that professional inspections can catch these problems before failure.

For example, a technician can test the armature and commutator for wear or shorts. Or they can replace carbon brushes since they wear down with use.

Having your tractor starter serviced every few years can ensure that it's still dependable, even under heavy workloads.

Keep Your Ford Tractor Starter in Good Shape

It may be a small part, but your Ford tractor starter is key to keeping your tractor running.

As we've shown above, there are many proactive steps you can take to make sure it's in good condition, including periodic professional inspections. However, there may come a time when you need to replace it, and when that time comes, our high-quality aftermarket starters can do the job.

Do you need a new tractor starter? Then check out our selection now. DB Electrical offers fast, free delivery on all orders over $50 (to the 48 adjoining US states)!

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