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The IH 100E and Its Electrical Starting System
The International Harvester 100E track loader was part of IH’s heavy equipment lineup during the 1970s and early 1980s. Designed for rugged earthmoving and site preparation, the 100E featured a diesel engine paired with a Delco Remy 35-MT starter motor. This model relied on a dual-battery 24V system, a solenoid-activated starter, and a mechanical linkage for throttle and transmission control. While the machine was built for durability, its electrical system—especially the starter circuit—can be prone to age-related failures.
Terminology Notes
The machine was equipped with two new batteries and a new solenoid, yet the starter only clicked without turning the engine. The operator noted that the starter had lagged for several days before failing completely. The starter was mounted in a difficult-to-access location, and the loader bucket was down, complicating field repairs.
Key symptoms included:
Several contributors suggested a multi-step approach:
Operator Anecdotes and Practical Advice
One technician emphasized that oxidation at cable junctions can cause voltage drop, especially in older machines. He recommended cleaning all contact points, including battery clamps, cable ends, and starter mounting bolts. Another mechanic noted that paint or rust between castings can interrupt the ground path, preventing full voltage from reaching the starter.
A seasoned operator shared that he once used a screwdriver to jump the solenoid terminals directly, but warned that this method is dangerous if the machine is in gear. He recommended using a remote starter switch for safety and control.
Preventive Measures and Long-Term Solutions
Starter failure on the IH 100E is often a combination of electrical resistance, mechanical wear, and poor grounding. While replacing the starter may be inevitable, thorough testing and cleaning can sometimes restore function or confirm the root cause. In legacy machines like the 100E, every connection matters—and sometimes, a well-placed hammer tap can buy you one more start before the real fix begins.
The International Harvester 100E track loader was part of IH’s heavy equipment lineup during the 1970s and early 1980s. Designed for rugged earthmoving and site preparation, the 100E featured a diesel engine paired with a Delco Remy 35-MT starter motor. This model relied on a dual-battery 24V system, a solenoid-activated starter, and a mechanical linkage for throttle and transmission control. While the machine was built for durability, its electrical system—especially the starter circuit—can be prone to age-related failures.
Terminology Notes
- Starter Solenoid: An electromechanical switch that connects battery power to the starter motor when the ignition key is turned.
- Dead Spot: A position inside the starter where the armature fails to engage due to worn brushes or commutator damage.
- Ground Path: The return route for electrical current, often through the machine’s frame and mounting bolts.
- Remote Starter Switch: A handheld tool used to bypass the ignition circuit and directly activate the starter solenoid.
The machine was equipped with two new batteries and a new solenoid, yet the starter only clicked without turning the engine. The operator noted that the starter had lagged for several days before failing completely. The starter was mounted in a difficult-to-access location, and the loader bucket was down, complicating field repairs.
Key symptoms included:
- Audible click from the solenoid but no starter rotation
- Voltage confirmed at the solenoid terminal
- Starter identified as Delco Remy 35-MT
- Previous operation with a single refurbished 12V battery and damaged cables
Several contributors suggested a multi-step approach:
- Tap the starter housing with a hammer while attempting to start. This can temporarily free a stuck plunger or overcome a dead spot.
- Manually rotate the crankshaft using the fan belt to shift the starter’s engagement point.
- Test voltage at the solenoid terminal using a multimeter during key activation.
- Bypass the ignition circuit using a remote starter switch or jumper wire directly from the battery to the solenoid terminal.
- Inspect ground connections from battery to frame and from frame to starter mounting bolts.
Operator Anecdotes and Practical Advice
One technician emphasized that oxidation at cable junctions can cause voltage drop, especially in older machines. He recommended cleaning all contact points, including battery clamps, cable ends, and starter mounting bolts. Another mechanic noted that paint or rust between castings can interrupt the ground path, preventing full voltage from reaching the starter.
A seasoned operator shared that he once used a screwdriver to jump the solenoid terminals directly, but warned that this method is dangerous if the machine is in gear. He recommended using a remote starter switch for safety and control.
Preventive Measures and Long-Term Solutions
- Replace all battery cables with heavy-gauge wire and crimped terminals
- Clean and torque ground connections to ensure full voltage delivery
- Install a remote starter switch for future diagnostics
- Test starter coil resistance before replacement
- Keep a wiring diagram and multimeter in the cab for field troubleshooting
Starter failure on the IH 100E is often a combination of electrical resistance, mechanical wear, and poor grounding. While replacing the starter may be inevitable, thorough testing and cleaning can sometimes restore function or confirm the root cause. In legacy machines like the 100E, every connection matters—and sometimes, a well-placed hammer tap can buy you one more start before the real fix begins.
