John Deere B Starter Switch Issue

[K Thomas]

First, I would like to say I am new to my 1952 JD B SN#296407. It was my grandfather's tractor an I was around it for years but never worked on it. So, no experience with repairing it. I had it restored at a shop in NY and now it is having issues starting. After looking at all the threads the cables are good, battery is good, and I have cleaned the switch. The issue I am having is that it does not look like the rod is pushing the switch far enough. It will engage sometimes but you must push hard multiple times. If I go under the tractor and push the button it will always run. I notice there are two different parts one for B up to serial number 200999 which looks like the one on my tractor. The other switch does not have a serial number range on it, that I can find. My question is do I have the wrong switch? Are they interchangeable? Or is my lever warn not pushing the switch enough?

Here is what is on my Tractor.

 

[Randy G.]

The switch pictured is correct for a 52 B. The push rod to the starter is adjustable. You may need to remove the switch and make sure the copper stud under it is flat on top and not worn.

 

[JIM MN]

Take the switch off the starter, is it good inside? Look a stud on starter 828228, has the metal in the center been arced away. leaving a deep V. May need to replace one or both?

 

[ajhbike]

Try adjusting the connecting rod that goes behind the flywheel cover. Kind of a pain but that might do the trick

 

[PJH]

First, I would like to say I am new to my 1952 JD B SN#296407. It was my grandfather's tractor an I was around it for years but never worked on it. So, no experience with repairing it. I had it restored at a shop in NY and now it is having issues starting. After looking at all the threads the cables are good, battery is good, and I have cleaned the switch. The issue I am having is that it does not look like the rod is pushing the switch far enough. It will engage sometimes but you must push hard multiple times. If I go under the tractor and push the button it will always run. I notice there are two different parts one for B up to serial number 200999 which looks like the one on my tractor. The other switch does not have a serial number range on it, that I can find. My question is do I have the wrong switch? Are they interchangeable? Or is my lever warn not pushing the switch enough?

Here is what is on my Tractor.
View attachment 86558

You can loosen the two screws that mount the switch to the starter and move the switch in the direction that will give better contact. There is very little movement available there, but I have found that a little bit will sometimes make it work.

 

[wore out]

You can loosen the two screws that mount the switch to the starter and move the switch in the direction that will give better contact. There is very little movement available there, but I have found that a little bit will sometimes make it work.

Also, the holes can be "widened" with a Dremel into a bit of a slot that will allow more movement/adjustment.