Ford 850 tractor (1956) - can I use a lawnmower solenoid on it?


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Old 10-10-18, 10:21 PM
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Ford 850 tractor (1956) - can I use a lawnmower solenoid on it?

Solenoid is sticking... when I push the start button, occasionally it will keep trying to start even if button is released and off/on switch is moved to off. I have to hit it with a screwdriver and then it stops trying to start.

Local tractor shops dont have it. I have a bunch of old lawnmowers laying around... just curious if I could use one of those 4 post lawnmower solenoids to replace the one on the tractor, or not.

It's an 850, and it is a 12 volt.

If you guys think a lawnmower solenoid wont cut it, I will check with napa and see if they have one... otherwise I will order it.

From searching threads, I think this will work on my 850. Thanks for any input.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ECHST542
 
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Old 10-10-18, 10:35 PM
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Any starter solenoid should work there. The one in your link is too expensive.
Another choice from Napa.... napaonline.com/en/p/MPEST82SB

Just like factory OEM solenoid
 
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Old 10-10-18, 11:41 PM
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A lawnmower solenoid might work but the contacts in it are smaller than your original solenoid I believe, so it won't handle the amperage as well and will likely fail soon. You can just pick up a solenoid for an old 1960s or 70s Ford truck and it should be pretty much a direct replacement.
 
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Old 10-10-18, 11:47 PM
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Thanks Cheese!



Any starter solenoid should work there. The one in your link is too expensive.
Another choice from Napa.... napaonline.com/en/p/MPEST82SB
Thanks PJ!
 
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Old 10-11-18, 04:45 AM
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I often order parts on the internet for my 1953 NAA. There are several sites I use for my tractor and would assume there are good options to order parts for your 'newer' tractor.

I'm a little surprised none of your local shops stock solenoids.
 
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Old 10-11-18, 08:02 AM
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starter solenoid

Theres a company called Tesco or Tasco something like that that supplys parts for older tractors at good prices.
 
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Old 10-12-18, 11:46 PM
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Thanks marksr and retired wrench.

I was talking with someone else, and they brought up the fact that a bad battery could cause a solenoid to stick. I didn't include that in my description, but that is exactly what I was dealing with when the solenoid started sticking. I had thought the solenoid sticking was draining the battery, but it might have been the other way around.

The battery was definitely going bad (almost 10 years old), so I got a new one and will see if that fixes the solenoid issue.
 
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Old 11-01-18, 07:06 PM
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If you put in a new battery, and don't change the solenoid too, be prepared to act fast when the solenoid sticks and stays stuck. Banging on it might not release it, and if you don't get the battery disconnected quick, bad things will happen. Does that sound like the voice of experience?
 
 

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