Dieselcowboy 210 #1 Posted October 10, 2013 Sometimes when I try to start this tractor it cranks first time and others it just clicks. I figure it's the solenoid . Is there a place I can buy a solenoid separately from the starter? And maybe while I have your attention where is the best and cheapest place to buy a set of blades for a 60" deck under this thing? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH nut 553 #2 Posted October 10, 2013 You have 2 solenoids on it, One on the starter, and one by the dipstick to engage the one on the starter You need to see which one is acting up Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
decksetter 50 #3 Posted October 10, 2013 What year is the tractor? I have an 89 and a 90 and they seem to have different starter setups. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dieselcowboy 210 #4 Posted October 10, 2013 I have jumped the solenoid under the dash to get it to crank in the first place. So I think it the one at the starter. This is on a 1990. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red-Bovine 334 #5 Posted October 10, 2013 I have a working starter with solenoid off a 1992 520H with P220 Onan. New OEM starters are $243.00. Aftermarket's are $98.00. I would sell this one for $35.00 plus shipping. Red Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #6 Posted October 10, 2013 Solenoid under the dash?? the ones that have 2 one is mounted on the starter the second right next to it on the frame, they make a few starters for the 520 not saying they will not all work, but check before you buy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
546cowboy 302 #7 Posted October 10, 2013 I think I have three of them in my 520 parts cabinet.Before you condemn the starter I would clean and tighten all connections and load test the battery. If it has been sitting for some time things like that happen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #8 Posted October 10, 2013 Another thing to check most every Onan I have owned the engine bolts to the frame have been loose, that could be a bad ground. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dieselcowboy 210 #9 Posted October 10, 2013 I checked and cleaned and dielectric greased all the normal connections to the starter. Same deal. I can keep turning the key, click click click and all of a sudden crank. When it clicked once I held it and I got a blown fuse in return. 15a. Took about 4 or 5 second for that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dieselcowboy 210 #10 Posted October 10, 2013 I checked and cleaned and dielectric greased all the normal connections to the starter. Same deal. I can keep turning the key, click click click and all of a sudden crank. When it clicked once I held it and I got a blown fuse in return. 15a. Took about 4 or 5 second for that. I should say the click is coming from the starter area itself. Could the starter have a dead spot? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH nut 553 #11 Posted October 10, 2013 (edited) You need to do some Diag. When it just clicks, you need to make sure you are getting 12v at the starter on the trigger wire. The trigger wire comes from the solenoid mounted on the frame next to the dipstick. Make sure its going through that one. If that all checks out, make sure you are getting 12v to the starter motor, the wire/strap coming out of the starter mounted solenoid going into the starter motor. Edited October 10, 2013 by WH nut Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dieselcowboy 210 #12 Posted October 11, 2013 (edited) WH nut I think you may be on to something. I started it with the key unit I got it to quit starting and then unhooked that wire off the starter and used a jumper straight from the battery to that trigger point, with the key on it hit every time. When I jumped the solenoid under the dash it worked for a while. But there must be something else going on there anyway. Those D^%$ 520 wiring gremlins. Just when you think you have them whooped. All the replys are very good help. Maybe not on this one but maybe the next. Thank you very much. If Toro would hire all the people on this site what a hell of a shop they would have. Edited October 11, 2013 by Dieselcowboy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dbartlett1958 99 #13 Posted October 16, 2013 On my 416, I had an intermittent starting issue similar to what you describe. I don't know if this applies to the 520, but the relay on my tractor had a rusty, crusty connection that was causing my trouble. As you are probably aware, the 9 pin connector is notorious for giving trouble. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites