1951 *N key ignition problem,,,maybe

[Philco]

Got the 8N runnng well, and replacing the points, I noticed that with the ignition key off, the tractor still cranks when I hit the starter button. Do I have a bad ignition key (replaced 20 years ago) or is it the starter button? Thanks for responding...Philip

This post was edited by Philco on 06/11/2021 at 06:54 pm.

 

[old]

NORMAL they all do that

 

[R Geiger]

(quoted from post at 19:52:53 06/11/21) Got the 8N runnng well, and replacing the points, I noticed that with the ignition key off, the tractor still cranks when I hit the starter button. Do I have a bad ignition key (replaced 20 years ago) or is it the starter button? Thanks for responding...Philip

This post was edited by Philco on 06/11/2021 at 06:54 pm.

That is normal, they all do that, it is an ignition switch, not a starter switch!

 

[duey]

Perhaps that Ding, Ding, Ding sound means to fasten you seat belt.... Government imposed safety things, you Know...

 

[HarryVanderpool]

Two separate circuits:
The starter button energizes the starter motor.
The key switch energizes the control circuit.
Very common back in the day to be able to engage the starter separately from the control circuit.

 

[Philco]

I went ahead to replace the ignition switch. It still can engage with the key off, but it doesn't really start That was a good excuse to take off the wires on the frebox and clean up all the copper metal, then attach the wires back onto the firewall. Still cranks very well.

 

[old]

Your trying to fix something that isn't broken. The N series will spin the engine over at the starter button with or with out the ignition switch on so your problem is notthe tractor but in your head that is how they work

 

[Philco]

Thanks old for responding. My battery kept wearing out, and had to recharge it every month or so. I know not to keep the ignition switch on when I park it, and thought the key off turned off all electricity to the system. Yep, I probably changed the starter switch needlessly, but all is good, since I also cleaned up all the wires with fine sandpaper for a good connection, and boy that seemed to help also. With a new battery now, and new wires, points, rotor and condenser, I got a lot of power to the 1951 side mount 8N, that'll keep me in good shape for a few years. Now to get the timing perfectly is my next goal. Any pointers with the setting of the timing? I do have a timing gun, but need some pointers on how to det it right.

 

[old]

I time things by ear which many say you can't do but I have been doing it for as long as I have been working on engines. To do it by ear you try for the highest RPM but easy start. If the starter has problem spinning it over then it is to far advanced. You want max power but easy start.

 

[Smokeonthewater]

If you continue to have a battery drain, you could consider a disco switch....

 

[HarryVanderpool]

Or, buy a Volt / Ohm meter and trace out the circuit.....