keyed ignition switch??

[Paul Modern]

Hi all, I've got a front mount '48 8N. 12volt conversion. Its not turning over. Battery is good. Ignition coil was new last fall. I want to replace the keyed ignition switch since it sounds kind of "crunchy" and not smooth at all. I removed the switch which has 4 terminals on it.(labeled Acc., Bat., Ign., and the 4th is the ground). This is completly different than the one being sold here and at other places which has 2 wires coming out of it. Is this some sort of generic switch available at a regular old parts store?. Any insights would be appreciated. Also, I'm poor at trouble shooting electrical problems.

Thanks,
Paul in Vermont

 

[DollarBill]

Someone has installed an automotive type ignition switch - The original (2-wire) switch is either off or on and the starter is activated by the big push button on the transmission shifter cover.

Below you will find one version of a 12 volt conversion but the ignition switch will connect the same no matter whether it's 6 volt or 12 volt.

[i:eb2d785610][size=9:eb2d785610]Courtesy of JMOR[/size:eb2d785610][/i:eb2d785610]

 

[L.B,]

We have some real good people when it comes to Ign. sys here so this is just shot in the dark for me. All I have ever seen is a basic on off key on N tractors. I put toggle switches on all my tractors no keys needed . Yours sound like a car or truck Ing.acc was so I could listen to the radio on them. If you go to toggle switch get a marine toggle switch. Your problem is the connection of the ign wires not mating. Your switch sounds like its toast, Master of the Obvious LB

 

[HCooke]

"Is this some sort of generic switch available at a regular old parts store?"

Yes, you can probably find that switch at an auto parts store. BUT, with that kind of switch it is possible to start the tractor when it is in gear! If you or someone else stands next to the tractor and starts it, the tractor could start and possible run over you with serious injuries! Better to use the two wire ignition switch and the correct solenoid and use the starter switch on the top of the trans case.

 

[L. B,]

DB where can I find a nice colored schematics like you posted hear for all Ns so I can make a print of them? Thanks LB

 

[DollarBill]

DB where can I find a nice colored schematics like you posted hear for all Ns so I can make a print of them? Thanks L

LB, they are available in the "How To" section of the N Tractor Board. Drill down to "Electrical" and look for "Wiring Pictograms, by JMOR"

 

[L. B,]

Thanks

 

[rlpintx]

On smith old ford tractor page there is a written discription of using a switch like that for a 12 volt conversion where the acc. Connection runs to the altenator to excite it. That's how I had my tractor wired . the PO might of done the same with yours. If so may be easier to get a universal ignition switch.

 

[souNdguy]

are you using key-to-start or key to power, thumb button to start?

 

[modyinnh]

key to start

 

[souNdguy]

unsafe and I don't reccomend it.

however. if using key to start.. you will need a switch supporting that. the 2 terminal oe style switch will not. you need at minimum a 3 terminal with spring load. 4 terminal if you want accy position

 

[Hobo,NC]

Folks that by-pass the original safety neutral are either stupid are don't know any better... You can make the call...

I am going to take it you don't know any better and don't know that the original safety neutral was one of Fords better ideas....

You can still use a automotive ignition switch along with the original safety neutral set up theirs nuttin wrong doing it with a better switch that offers more functions needed are not needed (any thing has got to be better than a aftermarket reproduction of the original 2 pole switch)...

Folks will foam at the mouth to help you get the original safety working with most any switch you choose to use... If you choose to by-pass the original safety (key start) you are on your own...

No one is gonna hold it again ya that you are poor at trouble shooting electrical problems most here are also...




This may be the one rare thing you will find that all that post here regularly agree on...