Failure of starter motor pinion to engage

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Cefn coch
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2024 8:41 pm

Failure of starter motor pinion to engage

Post by Cefn coch »

The starter motor gear will not engage with the teeth on the starter flywheel on my Tef.The operating rod will not go its full travel,if it is uncoupled from the starter switch it will move its full length which would seem to eliminate problems with the brass safety button.
I have taken the starter off and the starter pinion moves its full length when the spring lever is activated by hand. I did notice some bruising to the flywheel teeth and wondered if this was sufficient to stop the two gears engaging.
Being a complete novice in these matters and a resent Ferguson T20 owner any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Sandy.
Posts: 104
Joined: Sat May 22, 2021 5:19 pm

Re: Failure of starter motor pinion to engage

Post by Sandy. »

Hi
If the starter teeth and the flywheel teeth do not line up you have to put more pressure on the gear stick to make the small arm touch the electrical switch to make the starter turn.
Where the switch bolts to the top of the starter with the 4 small bolts this is adjustable, there is a procedure for this adjustment which can be found on the internet. I will email you a link to a workshop manual which may also help you.
Sandy.
Cefn coch
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2024 8:41 pm

Re: Failure of starter motor pinion to engage

Post by Cefn coch »

Sandy,
Thank you again for all of your help.The source of information you pointed to was excellent and allowed me to set up the pilot starting switch in relation to the movement of stater motor gear so that every attempt at starting is successful.
Mike
Langfordlakes
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Jun 22, 2025 4:36 pm

Re: Failure of starter motor pinion to engage

Post by Langfordlakes »

Hi Sandy

We have the exact same problem, all be it with a TEA20.
Starter bendicks flies out when bench tested, but reinstated on the Tea20, it spins but does not engage. It barely touches, but doesn't mesh. Ive changed the battery, improved my negative grounding..nothing. ive tried virtually everything. So before I release the hand brake and roll it off a cliff, has anyone got any advice where we can go.

Ps, next step would be a new starter, but this one seems to work fine, all be it not when its refitted.
TIA
Sandy.
Posts: 104
Joined: Sat May 22, 2021 5:19 pm

Re: Failure of starter motor pinion to engage

Post by Sandy. »

Hi.
With out seeing the tractor, check the flywheel ring gear for damage there will be two parts of the ring gear with engagement marks to check for damage. With the starter off turn the flywheel to a good part of the ring gear showing at the starter hole, then refit the starter and try starting, to see if it makes any difference.

Sandy.
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