One of the most common issues you are likely to experience with your tractor's starter motor is overheating. Overheating can be a result of many issues with your tractor's ignition system. Therefore, it's always best to know a thing or two about what could be causing your starter to burn up continually. It will help you know what parts of the starter motor you need to replace and what you need to do regarding prevention. With that in mind, here's a detailed breakdown of the common problems leading to starter motor overheating.

Ignition Switch Issues

Ignition switches are among the top culprits behind a starter motor that keeps burning up. Starters should naturally disengage once your engine starts. However, faulty issues within your tractor's ignition mechanism can affect the disengagement process. For instance, the ignition system comprises cylinders that may get stuck because of broken parts, debris build-up, etc. When this happens, your starter may fail to disengage even after the engine ignites. Consequently, there will be an electrical overload as excessive current is drawn into the starter motor, resulting in overheating.

In some cases, the ignition switch problems could only be a user error. This happens when you turn your key in your ignition for far too long than you should. Doing this forces the starter motor to continue operating once the engine has already ignited. Therefore, remember to keep the key in the on position only long enough to get your engine started.

Contamination

Dust and debris may accumulate in your starter motor over time. However, excessive dust and debris accumulation are bad for the starter motor. First, dirt and debris tend to increase your starter motor's internal temperature. Excessive heat accumulation over time can damage the electrical components inside the starter motor. Further, dirt and debris can get in the way of the electric current flow from the battery to your starter motor. With insufficient current reaching your starter motor, it will be forced to work harder to try to attain the required amount of current.

Contamination can easily be solved through regular cleaning and routine maintenance checks.

Shorts and Battery Issues

Starter motors work by drawing electric current from the battery. For a properly functioning ignition system, the electric flow stops once the engine ignites. However, shorts caused by faulty wiring that connects to the starter motor components can result in the continuous flow of current to the starter. Consequently, the starter motor will burn out. Therefore, routine maintenance checks for faulty wiring are necessary.

Battery issues such as poorly charged batteries can also affect the amount of charge flowing to your starter motor. Therefore, always work with an optimally functioning battery.

Contact a company like DFJ Automotive Ltd to learn more about starter motors.

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