254 Won’t Start

Sounds to me like you have an issue with the starter solenoid.

the starter needs to be taken apart and cleaned and lubed I assume. But it would not hurt to disconnect the wire to the starter and make sure it is away from a ground potential, put the key in the start position to make sure that the amp draw does not happen. There is some older posts of people successfully repairing their starters.

If you have current draw but no clicking sound, it is most likely either the solenoid or the key switch. Older units had starter switches that would fry internally, especially if the glow plugs were used a lot.  There is a recommended replacement with a Ford part number.

Cleaning and lubing the starter is always a good idea, but not likely to be the cause of your problem as you said it starts well when it finally does catch.

Try bypassing the switch by jumping power from the battery directly to the started solenoid. Don't do this without all the regular safety precautions, gear shift in neutral, someone in the seat, etc.

If you get a good start, it points to the switch, if you still have problems, it points to the solenoid.

A third test requires a jumper cable sized wire to jump from the battery to the positive post of the starter, thus bypassing the solenoid. If it spins fine, that points to the solenoid, if it does not, remove the starter and clean and lube. This is not hard to do by the way, just takes a little time.

Last but probably should be first, advice from an old farmer I once knew. “Check the grounds, check the grounds, check the grounds”

Make sure all the wires and connections are clean and tight, don't just look, take them off and check. You would be surprised how much resistance to a circuit can be added by just a little rust or corrosion. Check every connection from the battery to the switches to the solenoid to the starter, and don't forget to check the grounds.

Good luck and let us know what you find.

Info on ignition switch listed below:

Service Advisory 6:
Ignition Switch Retrofit
Easy no
special tools required. http://www.tractoroutlet.
com/toservice.html
The ignition switch that came with your Jinma 1828
HP tractor is multifunction and can present some
problems after significant use. It can have intermittent faults where the momentary glow plugs and
starter are immediately on when you turn the key to the first position (lights). In other words, all three
posts are hot, #2 for lights, #3 for glow plugs, and #4 for starter solenoid. This will cause your 30 amp
fuse to blow consistently. A replacement switch is available through your local New Holland dealer and
was used on Ford Series 20009000
tractors from about 1965 on. Ask for Ford Part # D 5NN11N501A.
If you would still like to use a direct replacement that requires nothing other than wire for wire
exchange then we normally stock them. Ask for Jinma part number #TY290
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