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Question
John Deere 4020 propane 12V tractor. Will not start. Replaced the starter, as the bolt inside was loose, and had to wiggle the battery connection cable to get it to start. Tractor will crank, but will not start. Could the generator be bad? Before I replaced the starter, it would cause the battery cable to become very hot, and I could smell a hot electrical smell.
If the battery is charged the generator has nothing to do with the starting of the engine. If the starter is cranking the engine over then it is time to check the ignition system to be sure that you are getting spark to the spark plugs and then the fuel system. The flow of propane to the engine is controlled by an electric solenoid and a pressure regulator as well as a flow control valve the is activated by the throttle. The only time that the generator might effect starting is that if it was not working and was not recharging the battery.
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Answers by Expert:
Brad Sears
Expertise
All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.
Experience
Automotive tech instructor.
Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's.
Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's
TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated.
Auto instructor for the following companies:
Fram
Autolyte
Holly
Carter
AMF
Ford Motor
University Of Conn
Blue Hills Technical School
Sugar River Technical Center
Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.
Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.
Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember.
Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.
Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.
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