ScottM414 4 #1 Posted May 5 I've had my 414-8 for probably 8 years now. What size battery (CCA's) is recommended for this? I have a 340 CCA on there and it seems like it needs more. The initial couple cranks to get momentum seems weak. Is there a max size or risk of burning up the starter or something if the CCA's are too high? I live in NEPA so use it for plowing too. I'm thinking the higher CCA's would be better, but don't wanna burn 'er up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,171 #2 Posted May 5 340 is plenty to start it. How old id the battery? Also old cables, poor connections and a worn out starter will suck the amps down. A Bigger cranking amp battery will just delay the inevitable and expose the weak link in the chain eventually. The amps have to travel from the battery positive to the solenoid to the starter to ground and back to the negative terminal. Any worn, corroded, loose connection in the path will effect cranking speed. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScottM414 4 #3 Posted May 5 The battery is new. I started out with ignition issues which I finally fixed after checking/cleaning all connections. (Also only had 2 of the three connections of the seat switch connected. doh!) Finally got it to crank, but with hesitation. Ended up the new ignition switch I installed doesn't crank the engine when it's turned to a stop. You have to back off on it a hair. I will replace that as well. Bought the battery before I figured out the ignition switch. It cranks, but very slow to start spinning. Once it gets momentum, it cranks and starts. Maybe I'll look into a starter since they don't really look to be serviceable and this one is most likely from 1986.. Thanks for the info! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,329 #4 Posted May 5 (edited) Before replacing the starter, I would check the solenoid to be sure it is passing the full current to the starter. Connect a large starting jumper to the starter side of the solenoid, then connect the other end to the positive battery post. If the starter spins as it should, replace the solenoid. If it does still not spin as it should, then a new or reconditioning of the starter may be required. BTW, In this warm weather 270 A should spin the starter easily if the engine is in good condition. Edited May 5 by Ed Kennell 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScottM414 4 #5 Posted May 5 Much appreciated! Solenoid was also replaced. I tried everything but the obvious to get it going! Totally agree on the warm weather. Just looking forward to snow plowing even though I didn't need it at all last year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,329 #6 Posted May 5 One other thought Scott. There has been some evidence on the Magnums of starter voltage jumping from the starter lug across to the oil fill tube. I have insulated my fill tubes with a section of slit rubber hose. Just grasping for an answer. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScottM414 4 #7 Posted May 5 That's old school knowledge right there. I'll be doing that for sure just so people ask why! Makes perfect sense. I didn't realize the starters are inexpensive and so easy to get, so I'll just get one and if it doesn't make a difference, I'll add it to the spare parts bin. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,682 #8 Posted May 12 On 5/5/2024 at 12:56 PM, ScottM414 said: The battery is new. I started out with ignition issues which I finally fixed after checking/cleaning all connections. (Also only had 2 of the three connections of the seat switch connected. doh!) Finally got it to crank, but with hesitation. Ended up the new ignition switch I installed doesn't crank the engine when it's turned to a stop. You have to back off on it a hair. I will replace that as well. Bought the battery before I figured out the ignition switch. It cranks, but very slow to start spinning. Once it gets momentum, it cranks and starts. Maybe I'll look into a starter since they don't really look to be serviceable and this one is most likely from 1986.. Thanks for the info! If the tractor has ever been stored out side .I had sinular problem with a 312-8 when I got it.. The dash panel has two screws they are ground, if they have gotten rusty you switch does no have a good ground. It would take several tries before the starter would kick in. I also added a ground wire from battery ground to an engine mounting bolt. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,174 #9 Posted May 12 On 5/5/2024 at 1:15 PM, Ed Kennell said: Before replacing the starter, I would check the solenoid to be sure it is passing the full current to the starter. 340 CCA should spin that thing like the plugs are missing. You have a high resistance issue somewhere. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
