Tractor shutting off and starting with jumper cables

[Gary Dotson]

Agreed!

[Don McCombs]

A full battery charge can be deceiving. I had a 12v battery in my backup generator that failed during January’s extremely cold weather. I replaced it, then put the old one on the charger. It charged to nearly 14 volts, but when load tested… nada.

[Jim Becker]

If your battery is only able to take a small charge from the jumper cables, it will run the ignition system until that charge is depleted. Now if your charging system was working properly, it should provide enough juice to keep the tractor going after starting. I would guess your charging system isn't working either.

I agree with the charging system is suspect but I have seen strange things happen when the battery is very weak.

I think a charge on the battery is a cheap first step and then see if the charging system is working.

There can be situations where a functioning charging system will not keep an engine running with a dead battery.
- Generator system. Since it doesn't charge at idle, you can have an engine start off the jumper battery and keep running until you idle it down. Then it quits.
- Alternator system. Some alternators won't start charging as soon as the engine starts. They may need a brief run at high speed before charging. If it hasn't done so before the jumper cables are removed, the engine will quit immediately.

[CDKL]

Thank you all so much! Once I get the battery charged or replaced I will give an update.

[tst]

charging system with a working alternator should run between 13.5 to 14.5 volts testing with a meter

[CDKL]

charging system with a working alternator should run between 13.5 to 14.5 volts testing with a meter

Is this what I should be reading while the tractor is running?

[tst]

yes, a good 12 volt battery fully charged not running is about 12.5-13 volts

[CDKL]

Update!!! So I got the battery all charged up and good to go. I was able to crank her right up no problem. After about 10 minutes of running she died right in the middle of the garden.
Battery still puts out plenty of power to start it. Unfortunately I noticed a ton of gas poring out of the bottom of the carb, it’s a Carter. I’m thinking it needs to be rebuilt or a knock off new one. Any suggestions?

[Eugene]

You can purchase kits for the Carter carb. Cheaper than purchasing a replacement. They are dirt simple. Conduct an internet search or try Steiner Tractor Parts.

[Jim Becker]

Did the gas come out only after being unable to start it? Maybe you just over-choked it. If the engine was hot, it may have not needed any choke to restart.

[CDKL]

Choke or no choke the gas will pour out when trying to start.
I let it sit for a good while and complete cool off. Same result.

[Jim Becker]

So since the initial start and run for 10 minutes, you can't get it to start at all? What do you find checking for spark?

[CDKL]

I have not checked for spark, it got dark on me. What method do you recommend for checking the spark?

[Jim Becker]

Start by taking the wire off one spark plug, holding it 1/4 inch away from a good ground, turn on the switch, and crank it over. There should be a blue spark that jumps at least 1/4 inch. If there isn't, pull the coil wire out of the center of the distributor cap and check the spark there.

[CDKL]

Okay so strange to me, I let it sit all night in the garden. Went out at 6am before work and she fired right up. I was able to get it back indoors. I’m stumped.