Ford 850 how to start w/o the key

[Spine]

I recently got a Ford 850 tractor , it is missing the ignition with the key how do you start it ? The other question I have I bought the ignition switch with the key it has 2 wires coming off it where do they go. Thanks !!!

 

[stevob671]

If you follow the wires from the original switch, there is a terminal block under the instrument panel area-(open the hood cover) This is where your new switch wires would go with one wire on each side. Sometimes I just take the battery out to get one hand in from the side.

 

[riveroadrat]

If it's a repop switch they are pretty crumbly and will just break if you over tighten when installing. Original Briggs and Stratton is the best. sometimes they're on fleabay.

 

[Andy Wickiser]

If you have original wiring to start without a key jumper across the ignition
switch or run a jumper from battery negative to coil battery side (assuming 6 V
positive ground, 12 V neg ground conversion needs battery + to coil). The
starter button is not interlocked with the key. Remember to remove jumper after
you're done with session or you could damage the coil if points happen to be
closed. Yes ignition switch wires go to terminal block.

<IMG SRC =https://i.postimg.cc/2S9pkTtL/Ford6V_Wiring.jpg>

 

[used red MN]

Hello spine welcome to YT! Going to the other side of
the coin does the switch you bought have more
terminals than two? Probably should have given that
detail if that is your issue. The terminal labeled B or
BAT and one labeled I or IGN are the ones you will use.
The one that comes from the battery or starter
solenoid and has power all the time should go to the B
terminal. If there are no other wires to the switch as

shown in Andys diagram and it is to difficult to figure
out which wire goes where just connecting the 2 wires
to the 2 terminals I named will work, which one is on
which terminal will really not matter. Make sure the
battery is disconnected while you are installing it.

 

[Tim PloughNman Daley RIP]

Welcome aboard the wonderful world of FORD Tractors. First, get and use the Ignition Switch, OEM style is best. No shortcuts. I also highly advise you to get the
Essential Manuals for your tractor before you do much more and with possible damage to it or yourself. You will find virtually all the information in the manuals. Andy
posted the electrical diagram, but you need to know how to read it and what all the parts are. You can easily destroy electrical parts if wired wrong. There is more to
wiring the 6V/POS GRN system than just having a 6V battery, and a hundred wrong ways to wire it but only 1 or 2 correct ways. Don't guess and don't use any shortcuts.
I have had 100% success using the OEM type ignition key switches made and sold by reliable suppliers - see LINK. They sell original NOS switches made in the 1960's.
The cheap Cheena-made parts usually are doomed for failure. The wiring was all the same for the Hundred Series Gas Models. As stated, the late 1950's introduced the
diesel models that used a 12V/NEG GRN system but still used a GEN and VR. Never mind that your 850 is a Gas Model, OEM 6V/POS GRN. Best to get the Manuals, get the
new switch as shown, and go thru the entire wiring system step by step using the diagrams and parts listed. DISCONNECT the battery first, take it to a local shop to be
tested under load. If it won't hold a charge, their machine will show it. Test takes 5 minutes and is usually free of charge, pun intended. If the battery is junk
replace with a new, good brand GP1 AG 6V unit, DEKA, INTERSTATE, EAST PENN, DURACELL typical, and avoid the cheap brands as they tend have poor lifespans. Leave the
battery off and disconnected while you go thru the entire wiring system using diagrams as your roadmap and with a VOM set to Continuity, never an idiot test light.
Test lights require power, and you don't want power when tracing wires. Also, never trust your wiring harness for verifying wires by their color. Colors don't conduct
electrons. Take no shortcuts, and don't bypass anything. DO NOT START taking old parts off and replacing old with new ones willy-nilly. New OEM IGN Switch excepted,
for now. Rebuilding OEM parts is the first choice with these vintage machines, the way God and Henry Ford intended. That is not a logical approach. Troubleshooting is
done properly by true root cause problem solving methods. ...Well, I figured it is old so thought I'd replace it... is a GUESS, NOT a logical method. Leave the
guessing to picking your lottery numbers. Get the manuals as shown and start reading religiously B4 you begin. Manuals have all the systems you need too other than
electrical. Just MY advice and I'm sticking to it...

FORD 600/800 TRACTOR: 6V/POS GRN WIRING MINUS LIGHTING:

800 WIRING w/LIGHTING:

ESSENTIAL MANUALS:

WORDS of WISDOM:

Tim Daley(MI)
OEM TYPE IGNITION KEY SWITCH

 

[showcrop]

The last 3-4 old Ford ignition switches that I have had out come with their wires attached, with ring terminals on the ends. Put the terminals on the block as Steve posted.

 

[grandpa Love]

You want to start it to move it around?
Then fix it properly? Undo the cable on
the starter and the wire going to the coil
coming from under the dash. Set a battery
on it, run your ground. Then make a small
jumper wire with clips on each end. One
side to the coil, one side to the hot side
of battery then use a jumper cable from
hot on battery to starter stud. This will
get it started and running before you
spend time and money. I like to know what
I'm getting into before I go crazy running
new wires.

 

[Spine]

(quoted from post at 10:42:43 04/15/23) If you follow the wires from the original switch, there is a terminal block under the instrument panel area-(open the hood cover) This is where your new switch wires would go with one wire on each side. Sometimes I just take the battery out to get one hand in from the side.

There was no switch that is my problem. Thanks !!