Uh Oh

[kudzu3 323]

My newly restored B 80 runs well but suddenly has developed a problem. Goes along just fine on fairly level ground but when I start up a small incline, engine dies and won't immediately crank, sounds like the battery is dead, but after sitting for a very short time, cranks and runs well. The battery is good. Any thoughts on what the problem could be? Thanks

[rmaynard 16,552]

Okay, so if I understand correctly, the engine just stops. Then when you go to start it again, the starter doesn't do anything. You let it sit and all is well again. Does it stop again on the next hill?

 

Or is it something like the engine dies, you try to start and the starter turns the engine over, but it doesn't fire? You let it sit and then all is well again for awhile.

[kudzu3 323]

Yes, it will stall again at the next incline. No the starter does not turn the engine over. It may turn very slowly as if the battery is very weak, but then will not turn at all, as if the battery is completely dead. After sitting for a short time, it will start and run well until the next grade.

[Geno 1,930]

I would test the battery.  If you can't, charge it up overnight and see if the problem goes away for awhile.  You may be running the battery low, then when it sits it will recoupe a little bit then start again and run till it doesn't have enough to run the coil.  After the recharge we can go from there.  

[kudzu3 323]

That's kinda what I was thinking Gene, but when it does crank, the starter turns pretty fast. I've got it on the charger, so I guess we'll see what it does tomorrow. Thanks

[Wishin4a416 2,192]

Is it in time. A warm/hot engine out of time turns over very hard.

[rmaynard 16,552]

Keep your multimeter handy and test the battery voltage just before you start it the next time. Then with the engine running at operating speed, check the voltage again. When it dies, check it again. Then let it sit and check it again. Write down all the voltages.

 

A fully charged battery should read about 12.6 volts

When the engine is running about half throttle or more, and the charging system operating, the reading should be about 13.8 volts.

[kudzu3 323]

The timing could be the problem, I didn't think of that  . Is there anything I need to do to check timing other than points?

[rmaynard 16,552]

If it initially starts fine, then I don't think timing is the issue. Setting the points to .020 should have you close enough.

[Geno 1,930]

Don't worry about the timing Tommy.  Timing doesn't get out of whack, then fix itself.  

 

Do you have a multi meter in case it is needed?

[kudzu3 323]

Yes, I do have a multi meter. Checked the battery, seems to be good, but charging it anyway. I did not replace the old points when I put it together, I'll go tomorrow and get new points, sure won't hurt anything. Bob, I'll follow the steps as you recommended in post #7 tomorrow. Thanks all, I'll keep you posted.

[Geno 1,930]

New points are always nice, especially on a restore like yours but the points have to do with the timing in yours so they should be ok.  Of course stranger things have happened.    

[Desko 624]

Maybe the starter is bad also and that's why it doesn't crank over when hot and what about the coil was that replaced or no?

[Geno 1,930]

Let's not do too many at once and make Tommy's head explode.     

[kudzu3 323]

Well, I changed my strategy just a little. Started with a freshly charged battery, rode around the yard for a while with no problems. Then the problem started again, has to be the battery, or for some reason it's not charging. The amp gage shows that it is charging...but (?). I'm just going to get a new battery since the one I have is the one that was in it when I got it, so I have no idea how old it is. Desko, the coil was not replaced. I'll put the new battery in and go from there, will let you all know what happens. Thanks

[Geno 1,930]

Let us know what happens after that, at least you get to ride her around for awhile doing your "testing"!  

[squonk 44,520]

Just for the heck of it, just turn the key on and turn on the lights too if it is so equipped. See if the ammeter shows discharge. If it doesn't the meter may be connected backwards which is easy to do and it is showing that you are charging while you are actually discharging when running.

[kudzu3 323]

Okay, just got in from my joy ride. Seems to want to stall a little on grades but picks up and does good, I guess that's the governor at work. I did as you suggested squonk, the only light is the tail light but the amp gage does show discharge when I turn the key to on, so I guess I did something right  . I don't understand how the battery could be strong enough to crank the tractor but not strong enough to keep it running on slight grades  . What do I need to do to check to be sure it is charging. You all please bear with me, I'm new at this.  By the way, I found a date on the old battery, 08, so it was over due.

[Geno 1,930]

Hook up the meter to the battery and see what it says with the engine running, throttle at half, then wide open.