1968 Massey Ferguson 165 diesel
 

Load tested the battery, it's good. I've replaced both battery cables and connectors. Lights work but nothing on starter. I pulled starter, put 12 volts across the solenoid and starter turns over. Someone posted earlier suggetion for someone else regarding the neutral switch coming out of transmission. Where will I find that? When I do, can I jump it out to see if it will turn over? Done most maintenance on this for past 30 plus, but never encountered this problem. Checked starter switch, had continuity when I turned the key. Did not check for voltage drop at the solenoid but since I replaced both battery cables and all connectors, I have to think voltage drop not an issue, unless it could be the key switch. Where is this neutral switch? Thanks, Doug

safety switch is in front of gear shift. you can still cross across solenoid to crank starter. they are 2 wires going to safety switch you can check out. dont wire around that though. i saw a man get hurt bad years ago because he started tractor in gear. you can call me if you want.

Hopefully Uncle Bubba will find some time to chime in here as well.

Hey all. Ya it sounds like the starter switch or neutral safety switch. Diesel Pap is exactly right about not disconnecting the safety switch. Now having said that, I disconnected mine because I couldn't find a replacement switch anyplace quick and I had hay to unload.

For the starter switch I just went to Napa and bought a push button starter switch and got rid of the key. 1/3 of the price and better quality.

Let me know if you need pics of any of this, I just happen to have the body panels off this tractor right now so pics are easy.

i have had to do that bubba. :tu:

I can't find the safety switch but I know it has one, it's acting just like it did if it was still in gear. I've looked and can't find any wires coming out of transmission. If you have pictures it really would help. Thanks, Doug

its in front of the gear shifter several inches maybe close to a foot coming strait up out. its in front of where the tranny bolts on. you will see a rubber boot covering the switch. wires go to it. your low and high range shifter works it. call me if you need too.

I'll snap some pictures today while I'm out there and get em posted up tonight.:c:

My apologies on not gettin pics up last night. I was mowin with this tractor yesterday and snapped the front spindle that hold the wheel on. Spent the next few hours tryin to jack the front axle up out of the ground, it dug itself about 8 inches down when it snapped. Then another few hours swingin a hand sledge tryin to get the spindle out of the shaft. Still haven't got it out and now it's been rainin all night with this thing sittin out in the pasture. It may or may not still be jacked up.

But as soon as the rain stops later this mornin I'll wander out and get the pics and get them posted up.

When I first started diagnosing this, I checked the ignition switch first. It had continuity when I turned the key. Since replacing all battery cables and terminals, removing and testing the starter and solenoid and finally finding and testing the neutral switch, nothing worked. I went back and put a voltage meter on the positive lead of the solenoid and turned the key. Nothing, so I pulled the wires and jumped them a the tractor started. Today I went to Genuine Auto parts and bought a $7.31 12 volt push button. When rain stops, I'll make repair. Thanks for all the help. Irishchirper

Ya them factory starter switches leave a little to be desired. Just be sure it's an all weather button ya got. I have a lot of problems with the negative battery terminal not getting a good ground also. I've changed locations, ground the metal down and everything else. I have to clean it up a few times a year.