mf 150 lights

[rustytenn]

I have traded for a massey ferguson 150 tractor. the lights do not work.the tractor has a 12volt alternator on it.I guess it originally was a 6 volt[but not sure. the serial number is 9a133913.if this is the case what will i need to get lights working again?I read earlier in a post about a inverter box under the instrument panel.will i need one of these?thanks rusty

 

[Aaron Ford]

A 9A prefix states that your tractor was built in the late 60's or later. The last 6v system in MFs was 1957? It is definitely 12v Negative Ground. Troubleshooting this system should be pretty straight forward. The box under the dash was used to convert 12v dc to 110v ac to illuminated the gauges only. Should be marked WICO if you have it.

Aaron

 

[rustytenn]

yes,i found the box.looks like a couple of wires were off. i put them on but still no lights.the cswitch is working cause i took test light and cut switch on and got fire thruwire. guess i need to get a wiring diagram and go from there

 

[Anonymous-0]

150's had 12v. even the generator equipped earlier models.

The "inverter" was for the back lights in the GAUGES ONLY. Fender lights (headlights) DO NOT have anything to do with the inverter.

(Assuming you're dealing with OEM lighting, 150's had flattop fenders w/lighting on fenders) Most likely issue with lights is GROUND. First place that usually causes issues is where the fenders mount to the axle. (lights ground to fenders, fenders need good contact with axle/chassis)

Best way to establish ground as the issue is to rig a temporary "jumper" wire grounding light directly to battery ground. Also, the light SWITCH is now more than 40 years old....May be a problem.

Forget about the inverter.....The ONLY thing that it effects is gauge lighting....

 

[Anonymous-0]

your serial # indicates 1972 model. Alternator was original equipment.

An old "Indian trick" to get a good ground on the fenders....Loosen the 2 bolts (under the axle) that hold the fender bracket. Stick a small finish nail between bracket and axle. Re-tighten fender bracket bolts. (preferably with an impact wrench) The nail will "dig in" to bracket and axle, establishing a good ground connection. Lights may work then.

The vast majority of lighting issues I've ever encountered on older tractors were ground related.

 

[DavidP, South Wales]

Hi,
Funny that! Most of the lighting problems that we have on this side of the pond are earth related as well!!!!! Continuity is normally lost on the 100 series due to corrosion between the mudguard (fender) and footplate. A direct earth cable from the mudguard to the chassis usually cures the problem. There is also a fuse for the lights.

DavidP

 

[rustytenn]

i was trying to get the gauge lights workinfirst.i have not made it to the fender lights yet but i will check all grounds. thanks

 

[Anonymous-0]

Odds are NOT in favor of you getting the gauge lights to work. The inverter is likely bad, as MOST didn't last long enough for a 38/39 year old tractor to still be working. And if the inverter still happens to be working, just as likely the neon back lights in the gauges won't work either. And good luck finding replacements with neon bulbs. New replacement gauges will have conventional 12v bulbs that need to be wired to 12v power source.

 

[Steven, Avilla MO]

The gauges are illuminated by what's called electro luminescence. They don't have any bulbs in them at all. The gauge face plate is the light source. Chances are if your inverter (power pack) is working the gauges will light up.

 

[rustytenn]

steven, do you think power pack may not be workin?it has fire going to the box[powerpack]
only has 2 wires.when i cut switch on the second wire has fire.but still no dash lights.I can take my test light and rub against one of the wires thats off[with one end of test light hooked on ground]and dash lights come on for a second but go out and will not stay on. only when i rub test light against wire that is off.I just dont know?

 

[Steven, Avilla MO]

You might check the voltage coming out of the power pack. I think it should be at least 150 volts AC.