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Farmall & IHC Tractors Discussion Forum
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Wow....That was SCARY!

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Gary NY

12-07-2005 20:10:27




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I bought a Farmall H off a machinery dealer, and when I test rode it, the batttery terminal was loose and we had to use a battery jumper to start it. It's been rather cold here..about 25 for the high today. So i bought a new battery on my way there today to get it running again and i connected the new battery properly, and claened the termianls, and it does have correct gauge wiring. I went to hit the start button and i noticed that the wire that comes directly from the negative battery terminal was loose on the starter button, so i tightned it. once i was finished the starter button started to smoke, and then it caught on fire at the connection that i had just tightned. I had gloves on so i patted it out and it kept re lighting and geting larger... I started yelling loudly for help but they were in a shop wuth alot of noise, so i kept putting it out with my hand, and by that time my gloved had burnt thorugh, so i could no longer do that. It then started to smoke at the battery terminal and the platic on the wiring started to catch fire....I knew this could mean alot of trouble, so i finally somebody came to rescue with a large pair of wire cutter and cut that wire. The Starter button had shorted out. I am also blaming it alot on that wire being old and having poor connection, becasue it had hesistant starting...When i hit the starter button, it would wait a few seconds and then turn over a little..... and stop...with a new battery!

So please everyone....If your button gets hot EVER replace it, and keep you battery cables in good condition.... Today could have been alot worse should taht battery have explode or the fire got the gas tank. Use SAFETY when your working on these tractors....AND COMMON SENSE!

Gary

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RayP(MI)

12-08-2005 17:05:10




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 Re: Wow....That was SCARY! in reply to Gary NY, 12-07-2005 20:10:27  
Couple years back, I was plowing with my Farmall 200 when the starter switch shorted to ground through the starter pull rod attached to the headlight bracket. Managed to get to battery disconnected, but not before getting serious burns on my hand, and destroying the battery terminal. Now, with a new switch on the starter, the pull rod is also insulated from the headlight bracket with a plastic tab, to prevent the rod from conducting electricity back to ground.

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Georgia Boy

12-08-2005 16:53:03




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 Re: Wow....That was SCARY! in reply to Gary NY, 12-07-2005 20:10:27  
I have a 46 A and realized after getting it restored and cranked up for the first time... holy s---! The fuel bowl is right over the starter button. I saw the starter button spark when I tried to start it the first time and then I saw a little drop of gas drip from the fuel bowl. I ordered a brand new fuel strainer assembly immediately.



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Matt Page

12-08-2005 07:17:09




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 Re: Wow....That was SCARY! in reply to Gary NY, 12-07-2005 20:10:27  
Once I was trying to get a 100 started. The shut-off valve was dripping gas onto the bell housing, I guess the fumes had filled the housing. It had oil all over it. When I pulled the starter, it sparked, and I'd guarantee it was heard more than a mile away. Blew me down, blew all the leaves on the ground away down to the dirt. Didn't catch on fire but smoked like it would for a while. Couldn't tell that it hurt the tractor and I have used it since, but when I first looked back toward that tractor through the smoke, I was expecting to see more than one piece. Took a little bit to even figure out what happened. Very funny later, but still I gained much respect for leaking gas.

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Gary NY

12-08-2005 05:24:56




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 Re: Wow....That was SCARY! in reply to Gary NY, 12-07-2005 20:10:27  
Yes.....It could avhe been MUCH worse.....Taht starter button had got warm to the touch before, but i thought it was completly normal. The guy who had done a repaint on it also painted all of the terminals, which aided in no spark, and fire. Keep the wires of a proper size and good condition. And thiking back.....A good pair of wire cutter and some fire extinquishers would ahve gone a long way. Luckly the BRAND NEW battery had gone dead from the short circuit, and the owner came quick with the wire cutters, becasue that fire was not stopping, it would jsut keep reingniting

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SGT K

12-08-2005 00:52:18




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 Re: Wow....That was SCARY! in reply to Gary NY, 12-07-2005 20:10:27  
My brother tried to start the C one cold day, many years ago. First he flooded it (or maybe I did that)and gas was running out of the carb. When the battery was dead he hooked on the jumper cables. When he hooked on one of the cables it sparked and ignited the fuel. The C was parked in a large barn full of hay. It was a miracle we didn't burn the whole place down. I'm sure everyone has a story like this, I know I'll never forget this one.
Paul

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Farmer Bob

12-07-2005 21:17:26




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 Re: Wow....That was SCARY! in reply to Gary NY, 12-07-2005 20:10:27  
Gary, Your message is a timely reminder for all of us. Many have experienced like troubles with these old tractors. It's a wake up call for sure any time there is smoke or flames near the gas tank.



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Dick davis

12-08-2005 01:28:50




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 Re: Wow....That was SCARY! in reply to Farmer Bob, 12-07-2005 21:17:26  
I work alone so I have three fire bottles in my 30x30 shop - only had to use one once but boy was it faster/easier/less scary than the alternative. When was the last time you checked yours for gauges in the green? My nickel Dick Davis



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SGT K

12-08-2005 02:39:25




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 Re: Wow....That was SCARY! in reply to Dick davis, 12-08-2005 01:28:50  
AMEN, they are hung up all over my place also. I think I'll check them out this morning when I go out.



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Dave in CT

12-08-2005 06:25:44




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 Re: Wow....That was SCARY! in reply to SGT K, 12-08-2005 02:39:25  
Good reminder and good points from all of you. I've had a close call with a rubber-coated hold-down bar - the insulation had worn away and it shorted across the poles. Even a small battery fire is hard to forget but we can never get too many safety reminders.



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