600 ford starter switch replacement

[bumblebee]

I need to replace the starter switch on my 600 ford tractor. I have not done this before but it looks fairly simple. I would appreciate any advice before I tear it apart and maybe screw something up!

 

[Royse]

Are you talking about the push button on top of the transmission
cover? If so, the removal procedure varies depending on which
transmission you have. Four speed, five speed?
600 is the series. Several different models in that series.

On either of those transmissions, the switch goes through the
cover and the neutral safety mechanism. There is a lock washer
and a nut. The lock washer bends over the flats of the nut to keep
it from backing off. The difference is in how you get the transmission
cover off. On a 5 speed the shifter handle has to come off first.
On a four speed you have to watch for the detent ball and spring
so it doesn't get lost when taking the cover off.

All from memory, so forgive me if I've missed something!

 

[showcrop]

After you reveal weather you are referring to the key switch or the start button tell why you need to replace it. The key switches tend to have problems but the push buttons rarely do.

 

[bumblebee]

I didn't do a good job making myself clear, I am talking about the starter button on top of the trans cover. It has a five speed trans. The starter button still works but I have to push it several times before the starter engages. Could it be something else that is the problem?

 

[showcrop]

(quoted from post at 06:18:48 06/04/18) I didn't do a good job making myself clear, I am talking about the starter button on top of the trans cover. It has a five speed trans. The starter button still works but I have to push it several times before the starter engages. Could it be something else that is the problem?

Bumblebee, the push buttons work by grounding the start solenoid. The actual contact inside is in a very protected environment, but I did replace one once many years ago. I suggest testing it first by clipping your test light to a hot point and applying the probe to the terminal on the side of the button as you try pressing on and off it. Replacing it is a little tricky. Be careful to maintain control of the woodruff key and spring underneath when you pull the shifter off. It is tricky to keep the spring and key and washer in place as you put the shift lever back on. I use some wheel bearing grease to hold the key.

 

[riveroadrat]

(quoted from post at 14:18:48 06/04/18) I didn't do a good job making myself clear, I am talking about the starter button on top of the trans cover. It has a five speed trans. The starter button still works but I have to push it several times before the starter engages. Could it be something else that is the problem?

I have one that has a sweet spot close to the bottom but not all the way down. If I hold it in the right place it starts every time.

 

[BogartGA]

Could you also test the start button with a multimeter? Where would you hook it?

 

[Royse]

"Could you also test the start button with a multimeter? Where would you hook it?"

Yes, with the battery disconnected, hook your ohm meter between the wire terminal on the switch and ground.

 

[BogartGA]

(reply to post at 15:22:14 02/23/21)

Thank you! I'm a newb - where's a good grounding point?

 

[Royse]

The grounded battery cable would be a good choice.
Either the battery end or where it connects to the frame.

 

[MarkB_MI]

I would test the switch using volts rather than ohms. The problem with doing a resistance check is that the difference in resistance between a good switch and a bad switch is very small.

Pull back the boot on the starter switch, then touch one lead of the voltmeter to the switch terminal and the other to the negative battery post. You should read about 12 volts. Hit the starter switch and the voltage should drop to less than one volt.

 

[Steve Brussell]

Unless it is a 6 volt system as most 600s were.

 

[MarkB_MI]

(quoted from post at 06:19:17 02/24/21) Unless it is a 6 volt system as most 600s were.

Yes, I was assuming it had been converted to 12V, as most 600s are.

Let's say "9 volts plus or minus 4". The battery voltage is unimportant; it's the voltage across the switch when closed, which should be zero, that matters.

 

[Steve Brussell]

LOL. I understand about the volts! I just didnt want him to look for 12 volts if he had a 6 volt system. My 1962 641 is still 6 volts!