Tractor Repair: MF35 starting problems, oil gauge, gauge line

Question
The tractor won't start. We have replaced the solenoid, the voltage regulator, rebuilt the starter and replaced the battery. We have also replaced the battery cables and checked the ground. We have rewired the generator, and it will crank over but not enough to start. Also the oil gauge line gets extremely hot when we turn the starter over. Can the generator cause it not to start.

Answer
Hello,

  First make sure everything is wired correctly and check if the oil gauge line has rubbed against a wire and worn through the insulation.  It sounds like it could still be a ground problem even though you have already checked it.  Even if the connection is clean and tight where the ground cable attaches to the tractor, there may still be a problem with whatever part of the tractor the cable is  attached to.  Bypass the ground cable by hooking a jumper cable between the battery post and the housing of the starter so that you are grounding directly to the starter.  If it cranks better, you should relocate the ground cable to a different part of the tractor chassis, or attach it to one of the starter mounting bolts.  Use a longer ground cable to make it reach.