Posted by Arthur P. Bloom on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 9:27PM :
In Reply to: What should happen when you bench test a starter??? posted by Securityboy on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 7:58PM :
Go back to the tractor, and put the starter in. Be sure that all battery cables are clean and tightly connected. Check the ground strap that connects the battery to the frame, and the one that connects the frame to the engine, if equipped. Be sure battery tests at 12 volts.
Step 1 Take a test light and go from ground (negative battery terminal or frame)to the battery (hot) contact on the ignition switch. Does the lamp light up? If so, go to step 2 If not, check the wire from the battery to the ignition switch.
Step 2 Take the test light and put one side to ground, and the other to the "start" contact on the starter switch. Have an assistant turn the starter switch to "start" Does the lamp light up? If so, go to step 3. If not, the ignition switch is at fault.
Step 3 Take the test light and go from ground to the low-current (small) wire on the starter solenoid. Have your assistant turn the starter switch to "start" Does the lamp light up? If so, go to step 4. If not, the wiring between the starter switch and the solenoid is at fault.
Step 4 Use the test lamp to see if you have 12 volts at the large terminal on the starter solenoid. If not, find out why.
I would not have removed the starter until I had checked all of the above. Did you have the starter supplier check out your original starter? From your brief description, it sounds like a total failure of electricity to get from the battery to the starter, rather than a loose or dirty connection.